Algeria has agreed to supply 750,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Egypt after officials from the North African states met in Algiers.

Representatives from the state-owned entities Sonatrach and the Egyptian Gas Holding (Egas) signed a deal for six cargoes of 125,000 cubic metres of LNG on 30 December.

The officials will also meet again in early 2015 to negotiate more shipments for the years 2016-2020 as Egypt looks to secure its long-term energy future.

Algeria and Egypt are also in talks to form a joint venture company that will look to explore opportunities in the gas sector.