President El-Sisi Witnesses Opening of 9th Edition of EGYPES 2026

alhadath – cairo

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in the opening of Egypt International Energy Conference and Exhibition “EGYPES 2026” in its ninth edition, held from March 30 to April 1, 2026, at Al Manara International Conference Center and Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.

The event saw high-level international participation led by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, as well as leaders of major global companies operating in energy and related technological solutions.

In addition, the attendees included Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Dr. Hussein Issa, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Karim Badawi, and a number of ministers and senior state officials.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the opening ceremony began with a documentary film about EGYPES 2026. The President then listened to a statement by Minister Badawi, followed by remarks from CEO of Apache Corporation, Mr. John Christmann. A documentary was then shown highlighting the perspectives of a number of global oil and gas company CEOs on their cooperation with and investment in Egypt. This was followed by a recorded statement by Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Mr. Jasem Al-Budaiwi, and then an address by Director-General for Energy at the European Commission, Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen.

In his remarks, President El-Sisi began by welcoming President Christodoulides, the current President of the Council of the European Union, and the attendees. The President emphasized that EGYPES has become a prestigious global platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas on the future of energy, which is a key driver of the global economy.

President El-Sisi further noted the sensitive global challenges and conditions, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, and highlighted Egypt’s cooperation with major energy companies. In this context, the President expressed appreciation for their fruitful collaboration, especially over the past five years despite difficult circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine war, the war in Gaza, and the current conflict in the Middle East, which has had a major impact on energy flows and supply chains.

President El-Sisi stressed that any halt or freeze in energy activities requires years for production to return to normal levels. The President lauded Egypt’s energy partners and noted Egypt’s intention to settle all outstanding dues to relevant companies by June 2026.

President El-Sisi also reiterated his appreciation to the President of Cyprus for the ongoing cooperation between the two friendly countries in energy and other strategic sectors, as well as the productive partnership between Egypt and the European Union.

The President referred to ongoing efforts to integrate Cypriot production fields into the global market and link them to Egyptian liquefaction plants.

On another front, President El-Sisi stressed the urgency of overcoming the current crisis in the Middle East, which the International Energy Agency has described as the most impactful in modern history in terms of its effect on the energy sector.

The President pointed out that the crisis has caused dual shocks: a shortage in energy supplies and the resulting rise in prices.

The President further warned that the continuation of the war would have grave repercussions for the global economy. These repercussions include higher prices for fuel, fertilizers, and agricultural products, which would disproportionately affect developing countries, particularly those facing fragile economic conditions.

President El-Sisi underscored Egypt’s deep concern over the continuation of the war. The President recalled his previous appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump during the war in Gaza, stating that President Trump was the only one capable of stopping the war. This led to the convening of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit and the adoption of a peace plan that halted the war.

President El-Sisi reaffirmed that the United States, as a global superpower, has the unique capacity to halt the current conflict. The President addressed President Trump directly by saying that no one else can stop the ongoing war and urged him, in the name of humanity and peace, to help end it.

The President further expressed hope for a swift resolution to the crisis and asserted the importance of unified efforts to stop the war.

In this context, President El-Sisi urged energy companies, particularly those participating in the conference, to intensify efforts to increase production, including new and renewable energy, to help mitigate the current crisis.

The Cypriot President expressed pride in visiting Egypt for the sixth time since taking office in 2023, commending the robust friendship and partnership between Egypt and Cyprus, particularly in energy.

He also welcomed the signing of a new energy agreement between the two countries, especially in light of regional challenges. He further emphasized that energy is a central pillar of the partnership between Egypt and the European Union.

A documentary was then shown highlighting aspects of joint cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus. President El-Sisi and President Christodoulides then witnessed the signing of a framework agreement for cooperation in natural gas between the two countries, signed by Minister Badawi on behalf of Egypt, and Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, Mr. Michael Damianos.

Later, the two presidents inaugurated the EGYPES 2026 exhibition by cutting the ribbon at the exhibition hall. They toured pavilions of Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Apache Corporation, the Cypriot Ministry of Energy, and Dragon Oil.

President El-Sisi held a bilateral meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides prior to the conference. The two sides discussed the distinguished bilateral relations, particularly the growing cooperation in energy. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s interest to elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership in line with the advanced level of ties and coordination between the two countries within regional and international fora.

President Christodoulides, in turn, expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to strengthen cooperation across all fields. He reaffirmed Cyprus’ pride in its pivotal relationship with Egypt.

Finally, the two leaders reviewed current regional developments. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unequivocal condemnation of attacks on Arab states and reviewed Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic solutions.

Both presidents stressed the importance of halting the war and escalation, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing political solutions to prevent further deterioration and its consequences.