The signing of two energy agreements with Egypt constitutes a pivotal moment in the countries’ strategic partnership, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday.

The president and other state officials, including Energy Minister George Papanastasiou who signed on behalf of the Republic, met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and held bilateral discussions on a variety of topics as part of EGYPES 2025.

The two agreements concern the development of the Aphrodite gas field and Block 6 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They include a host of government agreements for development of hydrocarbons in Block 6, and a memorandum of understanding between Cyprus, Egypt, and the licence holders (Chevron Cyprus Limited, NewMed Energy LP, and BG Cyprus Limited).

In an interview with Egyptian daily Ahram Online, Christodoulides said that these agreements constitute an important step towards strengthening cooperation in the energy sector between the states and open up new strategic partnerships.

“The Cyprus-Egypt relationship is at an excellent level, built on common principles and mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said. This cooperation is more critical than ever to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond, the president added.

The president said the agreement to transport natural gas from Cyprus’ offshore ‘Kronos’ field to Egypt for liquefaction and export was a milestone moment, with ongoing dialogue, joint initiatives and strategic partnerships that serve the interests of both countries to follow.

The current cooperation is based on intergovernmental agreement reached in 2018, which laid the foundations for the exploitation of Cyprus’ hydrocarbon resources by leveraging Egypt’s infrastructure, the president said.

Economic development of the region through the EastMed energy corridor initiative, is envisioned to bring both energy security and economic stability, he added.

The projects will play a critical role for the EU by providing an alternative and reliable source of energy through the Eastern Mediterranean.

“Cyprus and Egypt are uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to global energy markets,” Christodoulides said.

Beyond energy, the two states had over the past decade fostered cooperation to address other challenges in the Mediterranean and in North Africa, the president also said.

Cyprus had advocated for closer EU-Egyptian relations and is at the forefront of initiatives to strengthen such ties, recognising Egypt’s role in conflict resolution, humanitarian efforts and security, he said.

He said Egypt and Cyprus share a mutual commitment to “take the necessary measures to help alleviate the current crisis in Gaza”.

Elsewhere, trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Egypt and Greece, had become a model of stability and progress in the Eastern Mediterranean, the president added.

Egypt was “the cornerstone” of that cooperation, particularly through the Eastern Mediterranean gas forum, a platform that enhances regional energy security with respect for international law and the sovereign rights of its members, he said.

Regarding tourism, Christodoulides said that there was strong mutual interest in boosting visitor flows between the two countries.

Promoting cultural exchanges and highlighting the countries’ shared history due to geographical proximity will be the focus. New opportunities for joint tourism ventures will be explored, he said, to “unlock [this] untapped potential”.

Asked about the “Roots Revival” initiative, through an online genealogical app that aims to bring together members of the diaspora from Cyprus, Greece and Egypt, Christodoulides said “as someone with personal family roots in Alexandria, I deeply appreciate such initiatives for the preservation of identity and history.”
The NOSTOS-Roots Revival project had spawned meaningful exchanges, he added, and a commitment to expand it with support from Unesco had been made.

“We are delighted to welcome students from the Abetio School of Cairo to Cyprus in April. Their visit will further strengthen the bonds between young Cypriots, Greeks and Egyptians, ensuring that our historical ties will continue to thrive through future generations,” the president said.