US encourages Noble Energy gas deals in Middle East

The US government on Tuesday said it encourages the signing of gas deals in the Mideast with Texas-based company Noble Energy.
"We continue to engage and we support all parties to move forward with the natural gas deal signed between Noble Energy and entities in Jordan and Egypt," the State Department's Director of Press Relations, Jeff Rathke, told reporters. "We strongly believe that these deals would enhance energy security in the region." He added that Secretary of State John Kerry "discussed these issues" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while the US Special Envoy and Coordinator For International Energy Affairs, Amos Hochstein, met with the Israeli energy minister Silvan Shalom this week.
"We think it is important for all countries to have a strong investment climate, including a consistent and predictable regulatory framework," Rathke said. "We also think energy discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean can and should be used for strengthening collaboration and cooperation."