Cyprus to sign framework agreement for natural gas exports to Europe via Egypt

President Nikos Christodoulides travels to Cairo to participate in the EGYPES 2026 conference, held from March 30 to April 1 at the Al Manara International Conference Centre. During his visit, he is set to sign a framework agreement aimed at the commercial exploitation of Cyprus's natural gas reserves, specifically targeting the Aphrodite and Kronos fields. Cyprus Energy Minister Michalis Damianos will formalize the agreement alongside Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi. The government's stated goal is to facilitate the first sale of Cypriot natural gas to Europe through Egypt by 2027–2028. President Christodoulides noted that while the first discovery in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone occurred in 2011, no commercial exploitation has taken place in the subsequent 15 years. The trip also includes a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and a discussion with TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné. Official accompanying staff include the Presidential Press Office Director Viktoras Papadopoulos and Diplomatic Bureau Director Doros Venezis.