Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons and Secretary-General of the GECF Discuss Developments in Global Gas Markets

Algiers, June 21 (KUNA) -- Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab held talks today, Sunday, with Philippe Michelbeila, Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), on developments in global natural gas markets and the challenges facing the gas industry amid current geopolitical and economic shifts. The Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines said in a statement that Minister Arkab “received today, Sunday, at the ministry headquarters the Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and his accompanying delegation, who are on a working visit to Algeria, during which views were exchanged on various issues concerning the gas sector.” Both sides highlighted the strategic importance of natural gas as a key resource for ensuring global energy security and as a main pillar in supporting the energy transition, ensuring a just transition that balances the specificities of producing countries with the needs of consuming countries. They also discussed the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, which links Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria, and contributes to enhancing economic integration and sustainable development in the region, as well as supporting energy security for transit countries and international markets, welcoming the launch of this project, which reflects the three countries’ commitment to strengthening partnership and the progress achieved. The discussions addressed the growing role of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as a strategic platform for dialogue and cooperation among gas-producing countries, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the forum’s contribution to analyzing developments in global energy markets and formulating shared visions that strengthen the position of member states in various international forums related to energy. For his part, Minister Arkab reiterated Algeria’s commitment to continue supporting efforts aimed at enhancing dialogue and cooperation among member states of the forum, as well as his country’s readiness to place its extensive expertise in the natural gas industry, accumulated over more than six decades, in areas such as exploration, production, transportation, liquefaction, and marketing, at the service of the forum and its member states. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum praised “the pivotal role played by Algeria within the forum and its effective contribution to supporting the cooperation process among member states.” (End) M.R. / F.D.S.