Al-Ghaith: Kuwait Played a Pivotal Role in Establishing OPEC+
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghaiss affirmed that Kuwait played a prominent role in the consultations preceding the establishment of the OPEC+ alliance, through efforts aimed at bridging differences among oil-producing countries and paving the way for reaching mutual understandings.
In a statement to KUNA on the sidelines of his visit to Algeria yesterday, Al-Ghaiss said that Kuwait had an active presence during the phase preceding the Algiers Declaration in September 2016, leading up to the signing of the agreement establishing OPEC+ in December of the same year. He added that he closely followed that phase while serving as Kuwait’s Governor at OPEC, noting that Kuwaiti officials worked to open channels of dialogue and communication with several countries at a time when communications between some parties faced difficulties.
He pointed out that Kuwait’s approach to managing the consultations, based on dialogue and understanding, contributed to creating a positive atmosphere that helped bring positions closer together and prepare the conditions for reaching the Algiers Agreement. Al-Ghaiss emphasized that Kuwait’s efforts were part of moves involving other countries, including Algeria, noting that the convergence of these efforts contributed to the success of the Algiers Agreement, which formed the foundation for establishing OPEC+, thereby enhancing cooperation among producing countries and supporting the stability of global oil markets.
He clarified that his current visit to Algeria coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Algiers Agreement, which he described as the “cornerstone” of the agreement that led to the establishment of OPEC+ in December 2016, noting that it represented the first step in setting up a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the agreement.
In a related context, Al-Ghaiss mentioned that he discussed with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune several issues related to the organization’s work, and listened to his advice on the importance of continuing cooperation among oil-producing countries within the OPEC+ framework, and maintaining stability in oil and energy markets. He also extended greetings to the Algerian President, the government, and Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab, praising what he described as the continuous support for the organization and efforts aimed at enhancing dialogue and understanding among member states.
Al-Ghaiss began his working visit to Algeria on Sunday, during which he met with Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab and Minister of Energy Mourad Medelci to discuss developments in the global oil market, its prospects, and the challenges facing the oil industry.
The OPEC+ alliance currently comprises 21 oil-producing countries, including 11 OPEC member states and 10 non-OPEC countries.
