Negotiations between Egypt and Sudan

On the 17th of September 2003 the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Eng. Sameh Fahmy received the Sudanese Minister of Mines and Energy Mr. Awad Al Jaz. The two parties discussed the cooperation protocol between Egypt and Sudan which was singed last June. The meeting was focused on the importance of exchanging information between the two countries to execute jointly projects in the oil and gas industry fields.

Inviting the Egyptian companies working in the field of refining, as well as, the exploration companies to participate in the Sudanese tenders was one of the subjects discussed in the meeting. Geisum Oil Company, General Petroleum Company and other private companies will be registered to participate in the international exploration bid rounds announced in Sudan. Also the Egyptian petroleum services companies will be able to provide their services for the international petroleum exploration companies working in Sudan.

"It was agreed on supporting the joint venture projects between Egypt and Sudan which were started by the cooperation between the Egyptian Corox Company and the Sudanese central laboratories of the Sudanese Ministry of Mines and Energy" said Mr. Fahmy. He also added that an Egyptian representation office will be established in Khartoum to represent the Egyptian companies working in exploration.

Sudan started oil production four years ago with a production capacity of 150,000 barrel/day and currently produces 300,000 barrel /day expected to reach 500,000 barrel/day in the coming two years said Mr. Al Jaz. About the Sudanese estimated oil reserves Mr. Al Jaz said "currently we cannot estimate our oil reserves but within a year or two we can reach an accurate estimation for Sudan oil reserves".