Importance of EMGF highlighted at Forum's 5th Ministerial Meeting

The importance of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum was highlighted during the 5th EMGF Ministerial Meeting that took place virtually on Tuesday on the occasion of the launch of the Forum’s official website.

Members of the Forum are currently Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and Palestine, while the US is taking part as an observer.

Taking first the floor as Minister of the host country, Tarek el-Molla Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Egypt, said that the Forum has evolved substantially in a short period in becoming an important platform adding that the key objective is to ensure regional cooperation and welfare for the whole region.
 
Natasa Pilides, Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, said that the member countries, observers and  gas industry advisory committee members are a sign of the Forum’s true potential as well as the support it enjoys regionally and internationally and described the launch of the Forum’s website as an important milestone.

Cyprus, she said, is committed to our collective efforts to  responsibly and efficiently monetize the eastern Mediterranean offshore gas discoveries whilst respecting the rights of members over their natural resources in accordance with international law.
 
French Minister of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne expressed firstly solidarity with Cyprus for the devastating fires that hit the country during the weekend and his condolences for the four people who died. Referring to the Forum, he said it is a unique institution, noting that it has accomplished a lot in a very short time. He said it is important that the Forum is enhancing regional cooperation, social, political and economic benefits for all.
 
Kostas Skrekas, Greek Minister of the Environment and Energy said that the Forum is excited to have the US as a permanent observer noting that we have a lot to gain from the vast experience of the US. Referring to the EU and the World Bank’s request to join as observers, he said that their participation would offer significant support.
 
Karine Elharrar Israel’s Minister of National Infrastructures, Energy and Water Resources said that the Forum is a unique platform for regional stability. Together we can deepen the Forum’s cooperation for a cleaner, more efficient energy future, she said.
 
Vannia Gava, Undersecretary of State of Italy, said that Forum is an opportunity to strengthen our relations and welcomed the progress made and accomplishments reached so far in making the forum operational. She congratulated the Egyptian presidency for its work and the four working groups established by the executive board.
 
Hala Zawati Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources said that the fact that we are considering today the request for participation as observer in the Forum from the EU and the World Bank, after France joining the Forum as full member and the US as observer, indicates the importance of this Forum.

Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, senior advisor for economic affairs of Palestine`s President, said that the request of the EU and the World Bank to join the Forum as observers is welcome. He reiterated Palestine’s position that any meaningful and sustainable cooperation must be based on the principle of sovereign equality of states to the benefit of their people.  

On behalf of the US, which participates as an observer, Beth Urbanas, Acting Assistant Secretary U.S. Department of Energy said that this Forum is a platform that overcomes political boundaries in pursuit of a more peaceful and prosper future for the region and expressed her country’s strong support.  She pointed out that the goals of the Forum align well with US President’s agenda to tackle the climate emergency.