Egypt signed a new agreement with Lebanon on Wednesday to restore and modernize Lebanon’s gas infrastructure as part of broader regional efforts to strengthen energy cooperation and stabilize the country’s struggling power sector.
The deal follows a recent announcement by Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon outlining plans to revive collaboration under the Arab Gas Pipeline project, which was designed to transport Egyptian natural gas across the Levant.
According to an official statement from the Egyptian Cabinet, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended the signing ceremony held at the government headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital near Cairo.
The agreement was formally signed by Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi and Lebanese Energy Minister Joe Saddi.
Madbouly said the agreement reflects commitments made during his visit to Beirut last December and highlights Egypt’s ongoing support for Lebanon’s energy sector, including the rehabilitation of key infrastructure.
He emphasized Cairo’s commitment to helping Lebanon secure sustainable energy supplies amid the country’s prolonged economic and electricity crisis.
Following the signing, officials from both countries held discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in oil and natural gas development. Badawi described the deal as a significant move toward enhancing bilateral ties in the energy sector while strengthening regional energy security.
Earlier this week, Jordanian Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh said Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon had agreed on a framework for natural gas exchange through the Arab Gas Pipeline.
Under the proposed arrangement, Jordan would import liquefied natural gas, convert it into natural gas using its infrastructure, and transport supplies to Syria and Lebanon through the regional pipeline network, according to Jordan’s public broadcaster Al-Mamlaka.
Spanning more than 1,200 kilometers, the Arab Gas Pipeline was initially established to deliver Egyptian gas to Levant states and potentially European markets. Operations were largely halted after 2011 due to the conflict in Syria and US sanctions imposed during the rule of former Syrian President Bashar al Assad. Restrictions were later eased following Assad’s removal and the formation of a transitional administration led by Ahmad al Sharaa.
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