The Libyan Ministry of Oil and Gas has publicly denounced a recent agreement between Egypt and South Korea regarding the export of Libyan oil through the Egyptian port of Garjoub.
The agreement, announced on the Egyptian Ministry of Transport’s Facebook page on November 28th, stated that Egypt and South Korea would collaborate on “establishing an oil pipeline from Libyan territory to the port of Garjoub and re-exporting it to European countries.”
Libya Claims Unawareness of Agreement
In response to the announcement, the Director of the Media Office at the Libyan Ministry of Oil and Gas, Ahmed Al-Tarhouni, expressed the Ministry’s firm rejection of the agreement.
He emphasized that the Ministry was completely unaware of the deal, stating that “the Ministry of Oil and Gas was not aware, neither closely nor remotely, of the agreement concluded between the Egyptian side and South Korea regarding the export of Libyan oil through the port of Garjoub.”
Concerns Regarding Sovereignty and Regulations
Al-Tarhouni further highlighted concerns regarding the agreement’s disregard for Libyan sovereignty and existing regulations. He pointed out that, as per Libyan law, the Ministry of Oil and Gas should have been notified and consulted on such strategic matters.
This would have allowed Libyan experts to provide valuable technical opinions and maintain control over the country’s oil resources.
Openness to Joint Cooperation with Egypt
Despite their disapproval of the specific agreement, the Ministry of Oil and Gas remains open to collaborative ventures with Egypt in the oil and energy sector.
Al-Tarhouni stated, “we welcome any joint cooperation in the field of oil and energy between Libya and Egypt, in a way that achieves the common benefit and complementary interests of both parties in accordance with the full sovereignty of each country.”
No Need for Garjoub Port, Says Libya
Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that Libya’s seven existing oil ports on the Mediterranean Sea are sufficient for all its export needs. These ports, ranging from Al-Hariga in the east to Mellitah in the west, offer efficient and readily accessible routes to European markets.
Al-Tarhouni noted that extending pipelines to Egypt is unnecessary, particularly when considering the proximity of Libyan ports to Europe.
The Libyan Ministry of Oil and Gas’s position on the Garjoub agreement highlights their commitment to maintaining control over the nation’s resources and upholding established regulations.
While open to collaborative efforts with Egypt, they remain firm in their belief that such agreements must be conducted transparently and respect Libyan sovereignty.
