Egypt, US Discuss Energy Security

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek el-Molla, during his meetings in Washington (Presidency of Cabinet)
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek el-Molla, during his meetings in Washington (Presidency of Cabinet)
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Egypt, US Discuss Energy Security

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek el-Molla, during his meetings in Washington (Presidency of Cabinet)
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek el-Molla, during his meetings in Washington (Presidency of Cabinet)

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla held several meetings in Washington with some businessmen, research and academic institutions, officials of the Ministry of Energy, and members of the US Congress.

The Minister said that his visit to the US aimed to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in developing energy resources, push efforts to reduce emissions in the oil and gas industry, and advance regional integration efforts in exploiting energy resources and natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Egypt seeks to be a regional hub for renewable energy, as part of its 2030 sustainable development strategy, especially in green hydrogen.

Last April, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly confirmed that Egypt was accelerating toward adopting proposals to attract more foreign investments in green hydrogen production.

Also, during President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Germany last year, he promised to facilitate natural gas exportation to Europe to face the current crisis resulting from the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The Presidency of the Egyptian government reported that Molla affirmed that his country contributed to securing part of Europe's energy needs during the global crisis as part of its role as a regional hub for energy trade and circulation.

The minister explained that the current challenges in global energy markets had demonstrated the importance of Egypt's proactive efforts since 2018 to launch the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum.

The top official discussed with the US Deputy Secretary of Energy, David Turk, the means to expedite enhancing bilateral cooperation in different fields with a focus on limiting emissions.

The meeting also touched on the developments in the work of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, in which the United States participates as an observer.

Molla stressed the importance of the current partnerships with the US to accelerate sustainable development, reduce emissions in the oil and gas industry, and contribute to the localization of its technology in Egypt.

The Minister indicated that Egypt had worked hard since 2016 to implement a comprehensive strategy for reform in the oil and gas sector, which transformed the country from a state of deficit to a global hub for gas export.

He also held two meetings with members of the US Congress and discussed ways to advance cooperation in energy, especially energy transition and carbon removal.

Molla stressed the importance of accelerating the provision of technology and applications needed to reduce carbon and support Egypt and African countries.

He also discussed Egypt’s strategy to achieve sustainability, reduce carbon in energy, and invest in green fuels, such as hydrogen.



Palestinian Authority Says Internet Down in Gaza After Attack on Fibre Optic Cable

Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed
Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed
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Palestinian Authority Says Internet Down in Gaza After Attack on Fibre Optic Cable

Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed
Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed

The Palestinian Authority said internet and fixed-line communication services were down in Gaza on Thursday following an attack on the territory's last fibre optic cable it blamed on Israel.

"All internet and fixed-line communication services in the Gaza Strip have been cut following the targeting of the last remaining main fibre optic line in Gaza," the PA's telecommunications ministry said in a statement, accusing Israel of attempting to cut Gaza off from the world, AFP reported.

"The southern and central Gaza Strip have now joined Gaza City and the northern part of the Strip in experiencing complete isolation for the second consecutive day," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that its maintenance and repair teams had been unable to safely access the sites where damage occurred to the fibre optic cable.

"The Israeli occupation continues to prevent technical teams from repairing the cables that were cut yesterday", it said, adding that Israeli authorities had prevented repairs to other telecommunication lines in Gaza "for weeks and months".

The Palestinian Red Crescent said the communication lines were "directly targeted by occupation forces".

It said the internet outage was hindering its emergency services by impeding communication with first responder teams in the field.

"The emergency operations room is also struggling to coordinate with other organisations to respond to humanitarian cases."

Maysa Monayer, spokeswoman for the Palestinian communication ministry, told AFP that "mobile calls are still available with very limited capacity" in Gaza for the time being.

Now in its 21st month, the war in Gaza has caused massive damage to infrastructure across the Palestinian territory, including water mains, power lines and roads.