Algerian Radio
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Tuesday in Niamey (Niger) between Algeria and the Republic of Niger in the hydrocarbons sector, aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation through the development of joint projects, a statement from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines indicated.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2nd session of the Algerian-Nigerien High Joint Commission for Cooperation, held in Niamey (Niger) on March 23 and 24. The session was co-chaired by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Ali Lamine Zeine Mahaman, with the participation of a large ministerial delegation comprising several government members and senior officials.
The memorandum was signed by the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, and the Minister of Petroleum of the Republic of Niger, Mr. Hamadou Tini, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand partnership areas between the two countries in the hydrocarbons sector.
This Memorandum of Understanding aims to promote bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbons field based on mutual interest and respect for the legislation in force in each country. This will be achieved through the development of joint projects along the entire value chain, particularly in the areas of exploration and production, geological studies, the exchange of technical and scientific information, and the strengthening of partnerships between national companies.
Other areas of cooperation also include the continuation of research and exploration activities in the Kafra field in northern Niger, the modernization and performance improvement of the Soraz refinery, the development of the Dosso petrochemical complex, and coordination in implementing the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project, in addition to the exchange of expertise in the related technical and environmental aspects.
The memorandum furthermore provides for the strengthening of cooperation in the fields of training and technology transfer, the organization of training programs and the exchange of experts, as well as the development of partnerships between national companies, such as Sonatrach, Naftal, and Sonidep, covering transport, storage, distribution, and the securing of supply chains.
In addition, Mr. Arkab held bilateral talks on Monday with the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum, Mr. Hamadou Tini, and the Minister of Mines, Mr. Abarchi Ousmane, focusing on ways and means to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons and mining.
