Algerian Radio
On the occasion of the double anniversary of the creation of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), the President of the Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, delivered a message, which was read on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb.
“On February 24th, as we do every year, we pause to commemorate the double anniversary: the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) in 1956 and the nationalization of hydrocarbons in 1971.
On this occasion, we celebrate one of the everlasting days in the history of the blessed Liberation Revolution, during which Algerian workers—men and women—declared their commitment to the armed struggle. At that time, it expressed the entire Algerian people's embrace of their glorious revolution... including the comrades of the iconic martyr, Aïssat Idir, and the generation of workers and unionists who founded one of the fortresses and schools of national commitment... whose path in defending Algeria is inherited by generations, as confirmed by the positions of the union organization during the most difficult stages.
Perhaps the sacrifices made by the UGTA—losing its cadres and leaders as martyrs of national duty, headed by the martyr Abdelhak Benhamouda—represent the loftiest meanings of patriotism, the truest forms of sacrifice, and the most sincere expression of loyalty to the founding pioneers and the principles and values of the November Message.
We also recall a decisive and historic sovereign decision. Algerians will always remember with pride the challenge undertaken by engineers and technicians, who used all available means to ensure the continuity of production in the energy sector following the declaration of sovereignty over our national resources on February 24, 1971. These pioneers became role models for the generations of skilled professionals and workers who followed them in the energy sector. Today, they continue to masterfully manage the various stages of the oil and gas value chain, from exploration and prospecting to production, transport, and marketing. Thanks to their efforts, we have succeeded in doubling commercial energy production.
Today, we are the world's seventh-largest gas exporter and the third-largest supplier to the European market, holding the third-largest oil reserves in Africa. I am certain that the prospects are promising—thanks to our workers—and their qualifications, competence, and expertise in implementing the strategy to renew our oil and gas reserves and develop downstream industry projects. I salute their efforts and their mobilization, driven by the same spirit as their predecessors in this phase where we strive to establish the value of effort and labor as the engine of sustainable development in the country. We also seek to encourage talents, especially our youth, toward further technical excellence and technological mastery.
I express my profound appreciation to all the women and men who are dedicated to realizing major strategic projects. The achievements brought into service over recent years, those currently under construction, and others slated for launch in the near future, serve as clear evidence of their confidence in the path Algeria is taking. These are the tangible results of economic and social policies whose fruits are becoming visible every day across the country. It is a source of great satisfaction to witness—throughout our beloved homeland and among the noble Algerian people—the feelings of welcome and celebration, most clearly manifested during the inauguration of the Western Mining Railway line. This project, along with other structural projects of local and national dimension, confirms that our current national policies are anchored in feasibility, realism, and the wisdom of sovereign political decision-making.
I renew my greetings to all workers—men and women—on the anniversary of the founding of the UGTA. I also extend my greetings to all managers, cadres, and workers in the hydrocarbons sector, as they continue the path paved by their predecessors following the historic decision to nationalize hydrocarbons. They draw strength and determination from the challenge faced back then to further develop the sector and enhance its capabilities”.
