Cyprus and Egypt sign framework agreement for offshore gas development
On March 30, 2026, in Cairo, the Republic of Cyprus and Egypt signed a non-binding framework agreement to cooperate on the development of natural gas reserves within the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone. The agreement, signed by the energy ministers of both nations at the EGYPES 2026 conference, specifically includes the Kronos and Aphrodite gas fields. The deal facilitates the creation of a joint committee to negotiate the potential sale of natural gas to Egypt or its state-owned companies to meet domestic energy needs. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi attended the signing ceremony and held a bilateral meeting to discuss strengthening strategic ties. Both leaders emphasized the importance of regional energy security and the role of Cyprus as an energy hub for Europe. The agreement aims to utilize existing Egyptian infrastructure to export Cypriot gas, with initial sales eyed for the 2027-2028 period. Furthermore, the meeting served as a forum for coordinating regional developments and deepening the energy partnership between the two nations.