AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh and Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi on Sunday discussed ways to expand cooperation in energy and mining, and strengthen strategic partnerships through joint investments.

 

Kharabsheh said that Jordanian-Egyptian relations represent an advanced model of Arab cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, noting that previous achievements provide a strong foundation for strategic projects with sustainable economic benefits, in line with the directives of both countries’ leaderships.

 

The two ministers discussed mechanisms to further develop their natural gas partnership, building on the success of the Jordanian-Egyptian Fajr Company for Natural Gas Transmission and Supply and cooperation with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), according to an Energy Ministry statement.

 

They also highlighted the importance of utilising the advanced infrastructure available in both countries to enhance energy security and support development projects.

 

Kharabsheh reviewed the ministry’s projects to expand natural gas networks to industrial cities, saying Jordan will soon sign two agreements with Egyptian companies to supply gas to the Maan and Muwaqqar industrial cities.

 

He added that work is also under way to extend gas supplies to the Mafraq and Zarqa industrial cities, which would help reduce energy costs and improve industrial competitiveness.

 

The discussions also covered cooperation in green hydrogen, ammonia production and natural gas-related industries.

 

Badawi said that Egypt has extensive expertise in these fields, with eight operating ammonia plants and ongoing efforts to adopt advanced production technologies, creating opportunities for joint ventures.

 

Both sides stressed the importance of maximising the economic value of natural gas through value-added industries and developing an integrated infrastructure vision. They also highlighted the role of pre-purchase agreements in ensuring the sustainability of projects.

 

The ministers also discussed cooperation in phosphate-based industries, the exchange of geological exploration expertise and the establishment of joint mining ventures to increase the contribution of natural resources to the economies of both countries.

 

They also explored the creation of partnerships between national companies to combine technical, engineering and managerial expertise, enabling the implementation of energy and infrastructure projects in Jordan, Egypt and the wider region.

 

Badawi praised the ongoing coordination between the two countries, saying the next phase will witness expanded cooperation between national companies in energy, infrastructure and mining to enhance regional energy security.

 

The two sides agreed to establish joint technical working groups to follow up on the proposals and develop mechanisms for cooperation in natural gas, mining, infrastructure and investment partnerships.