Doha: Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy, accompanied by Engineer Yass Mohamed of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) and Engineer Moataz Atef, visited Qatar to explore expanding cooperation in the energy sector. The visit comes in response to an invitation from the Qatari Minister of Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.According to State Information Service Egypt, the delegation engaged in discussions with senior Qatari energy officials, including Al-Kaabi, on accelerating joint natural gas projects. These discussions focused on securing long-term contracts for natural gas supply, crucial for meeting local demands and enhancing energy infrastructure integration.The talks also addressed increasing production rates and exploration opportunities in Egyptian concession areas involving QatarEnergy, a key player in Egypt's Exploration and Production Gateway (EUG). Notably, the drilling plans for the Nefertari, Cairo, Masry, and North Marakiya wells, in partnership with ExxonMobil, were highlighted.Al-Kaab i expressed QatarEnergy's intent to expand its investments in Egypt, evidenced by a recent deal with EGAS and Chevron to acquire a stake in the North Dabaa offshore concession. Minister Badawy presented investment opportunities in petroleum, gas, and petrochemicals to the Qatari side.The discussions also covered strengthening the presence of Egyptian companies in Qatar's energy projects, leveraging their expertise in design, implementation, and maintenance. The collaboration within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), where both nations are members, was emphasized to address priority issues and enhance regional cooperation. The GECF, based in Qatar, holds significant influence in global energy markets, representing about 70% of global gas reserves.