Algerian Radio
The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, spoke this Wednesday via videoconference with the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, regarding ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons and mines, according to a ministry statement.
The same source explained that the meeting took place in the presence of the Secretary of State to the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines in charge of Mines, Karima Bakir Tafer, alongside ministry executives. It falls within the framework of following up on previous exchanges between the two countries and exploring prospects for developing cooperation relations, particularly in strategic sectors with a direct impact on economic and social development.
During the talks, both parties reviewed the status and prospects of cooperation across various stages of the hydrocarbon value chain, from research and exploration to refining, petrochemicals, and the transport and marketing of petroleum products, in addition to training and capacity building.
In this context, the Ivorian Minister praised Algeria's expertise in the energy field, particularly through the Sonatrach group. He expressed his aspiration to strengthen cooperation with the Ivorian National Petroleum Company "PETROCI" by forming joint technical teams and exchanging visits to facilitate the realization of concrete projects.
For his part, Mr. Arkab confirmed Algeria's readiness to accompany Côte d'Ivoire by transferring its technical and institutional expertise and intensifying training programs, especially through specialized training institutes, contributing to the development of an integrated and sustainable hydrocarbon industry.
Regarding the mining sector, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in the fields of research, exploration, exploitation, production, and processing of mineral resources. They focused on the exchange of expertise and knowledge transfer to contribute to the valorization of natural resources and achieve added value that supports development in both countries.
The talks also touched upon the prospects of supplying Côte d'Ivoire with refined petroleum products and strengthening commercial relations between the two countries' enterprises in this field.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue consultations and work on updating and completing the legal framework for bilateral cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons and mines, in preparation for the signing of practical agreements in the near future, according to the statement.
