“The formation of a new government in Israel is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the members of the Forum, in the hope that in the future we will also cooperate in promoting additional types of energy that are more environmentally friendly,” said Energy Minister Karine Elharrar in her opening remarks at the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) 5th Ministerial Meeting.
The Forum, in which Elharrar participated for the first time, was hosted by Egypt and convened under the direction of the relevant ministers of the Forum's Members to discuss the deepening of regional cooperation in the field of natural gas energy and to launch a joint website. Alongside Israel and Egypt, EMGF members include Greece, Cyprus, France, Jordan, Italy and a representative of the Palestinian Authority.
As well as the launch of EMGF’s website, today’s meeting also covered the work of the professional working groups, such as the topic of promoting the Eastern Mediterranean region as friendly to LNG-fuelled marine vessels, which reduce emissions and the risk of marine pollution, as well as the commencement of a joint regional study on demand and supply of natural gas in the region, and approval of applications from the European Union and World Bank to join the Forum as observers (alongside the United States).
During the meeting, Elharrar emphasized her commitment – and that of Israel – to strengthening and deepening ties with the partners in the field of renewable energy too.