PORT SAID, Egypt, Feb 8 (MENA) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli on Saturday visited Zohr natural gas field in north of Port Said to follow up on efforts of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to increase oil and gas output in different sites.

This falls within the framework of joint plans with international partners to meet energy needs of people and different state sectors.

During his tour, the premier inspected "Saipem 10000" drilling vessel after its arrival in Egyptian waters in January to resume the drilling and exploration operation in Zohr field.

Madbouli was accompanied by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawy.

They were received by General Manager of Eni Egypt (IEOC) Francesco Caspari and Head of Eni North Africa and Levant Region Martina Opizzi.

The petroleum minister said that the premier's visit reflected appreciation of the strategic partnership between the government and Eni.

During the inspection of "Saipem 10000" rig, Badawy said that its return will contribute to the resumption of drilling operations of new wells in Zohr field using modern technologies in the deep waters of the field concession area.

He added that the return of the drilling rig to the Zohr field crowned the efforts of the petroleum sector throughout the past six months to increase production by focusing on research, exploration, development, production and acceleration of activities. (MENA)

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