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EGYPT and the EU to boost energy cooperation with Africa and Middle East
Upon the initiative of the Arab Republic of Egypt and in cooperation with the European Commission, an international conference will be held on the first of November 2007, bringing together for the first time key energy players from the EU, Africa and the Middle East, to discuss their policies and common challenges in the field of energy. The EU-Africa-Middle East Energy Conference will be held in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt). Speeches will be delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, European Commissioners for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, H.E Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and Energy, Andris Piebalgs, Minister of Petroleum of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Sameh Fahni, and, Minister of Electricity and Energy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr Hassan Ahmed Younes,
This international Conference will provide an opportunity for prominent participants from the EU, Africa and the Middle East to discuss enhancing regional cooperation in the field of Energy, addressing inter-alia, energy security, the link between energy and development, climate change, renewable energy and improving access to energy. The Conference also aims at identifying issues of common interest and areas for trans-regional cooperation in the energy sector for both hydrocarbons and renewables, as well as energy efficiency. It shall complement the existing Euro-Mediterranean energy cooperation, the EU-GCC energy cooperation, as well as the envisaged EU-Africa Strategy and Plan of Action.
The Ministers of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Commissioners stated on this occasion that: “energy is gaining an ever growing importance in the relations between Egypt and the EU, and is outlining its multifaceted role in fostering sustainable economic development and regional cooperation, particularly in developing all energy sources in the European Union, Africa, and the Middle East. The development of the EU-Egypt energy partnership as well as the organisation of the EU-Africa-Middle East Energy Conference represent concrete steps in implementation of our common priorities”.
Cairo, Brussels, 31st October 2007
Downloads:
• Agenda (English)
• Concept Note (English)
• Concept Note (French)
Contact: Michael Ryan, Head of Press and Information in the Delegation of the European Commission (02 3749 4680 extension 229; or mobile 012 312 8868) email:
Michael.ryan@ec.europa.eu
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