The energy ministers of the member states of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) announced on Tuesday that the forum's charter has entered into force.
The announcement was made during a Cairo meeting of energy ministers of the Cairo-based EMGF founding countries, namely Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and Palestine, said a statement by Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
The ministers emphasized that the forum will serve as a platform for systematic dialogue on policies related to natural gas, noting that the EMGF will contribute to the development of a sustainable regional market for gas.
The forum is also meant to maximize the utilization of gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean region, through full respect for the rights of its members over their natural resources in accordance with international law, the statement said.
During the meeting, the ministers approved France's request to join the forum as a member, and the United States as an observer.
The forum was formed in January 2019 to reinforce cooperation among member states, create a regional gas market, optimize resource development, cut the cost of infrastructure, offer competitive prices and improve trade ties.
Editor: Leon
