- Egypt wants to accelerate joint energy projects with Libya, including gas pipeline connections and electricity interconnection.
- The two countries are also discussing the refining of Libyan crude oil in Egypt for re-export
Egypt is seeking faster progress on joint energy projects with Libya as it looks to strengthen regional energy cooperation and address domestic supply challenges. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced the plans following a meeting with Libya’s acting Oil and Gas Minister, Khalifa Abdulsadek, in Tripoli on Saturday.
According to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions covered gas pipeline connections, petroleum cooperation, refining and electricity interconnection. The proposed projects form part of efforts to deepen energy collaboration between the neighbouring North African countries.
Gas and Electricity Projects Take Priority
Abdelatty called for accelerated implementation of gas pipeline links and other existing energy projects between the two countries. He also emphasised cooperation on petroleum products and the completion of projects that would allow Egypt to refine Libyan crude oil and re-export the resulting products.
The proposed electricity interconnection would further strengthen energy cooperation and support electricity exchange between both countries. Abdulsadek reportedly reaffirmed Libya’s commitment to implementing existing projects. He also indicated plans to visit Cairo soon to continue technical discussions with Egypt’s petroleum and electricity ministers.
Egypt Faces Domestic Energy Supply Pressure
The renewed cooperation comes as Egypt faces pressure from insufficient domestic natural gas production and elevated global liquefied natural gas prices.
Reuters reported that the country’s energy challenges have intensified amid the wider geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. However, the foreign ministry statement did not disclose project costs, implementation timelines or the current status of the proposed infrastructure.
Further technical discussions between officials from both countries are expected to clarify the next steps.