Egypt and Cyprus signed a framework agreement on Monday to strengthen cooperation in the natural gas sector, on the sidelines of the Egypt International Energy Conference and Exhibition (EGYPES 2026).

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the opening of the conference, held from March 30 to April 1, 2026.

Ahead of the event, he met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss bilateral relations, particularly the expanding partnership in the energy sector.

 President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s aspiration to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership, reflecting the strong relationship between the two countries and their close coordination in regional and international forums.

A spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency stated that the non-binding agreement will serve as a foundation for future negotiations between the two countries on the development and utilization of Cyprus’s natural gas reserves, according to Reuters.

Cypriot officials indicated that gas production from the cronos field could begin as early as 2027 or 2028.

The agreement builds on earlier deals signed last year that enable the export of gas from Cyprus’s offshore fields to Egypt for liquefaction and re-export to Europe, as both countries work to strengthen the Eastern Mediterranean’s position as a key global energy hub.

The cooperation comes at a time when Egypt is facing spillover effects from the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, particularly in the energy sector, given its reliance on imported fuel.

Rising global energy prices and disruptions to oil and gas production and trade across the Middle East have significantly increased import costs, placing additional pressure on the country’s energy bill.