Algerian Radio
The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, reaffirmed on Sunday in Algiers Algeria's commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation among member countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). During a meeting with the Secretary General of the Forum, Philippe Michelbelo, Arkab emphasized Algeria's focus on developing projects that enhance energy security and promote the role of natural gas in the global energy mix, according to a ministry statement.
The meeting was attended by the delegation accompanying Mr Michelbelo, who is on a working visit to Algeria, as well as the President of the National Agency for the Valorisation of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT), Samir Bekhti, the President of the Hydrocarbons Regulatory Authority (ARH), Amine Remini, and the Director of the Gas Research Institute (GRI) headquartered in Algiers, Azzedine Adjeb, along with several sector officials.
Mr Arkab highlighted Algeria’s extensive expertise in the natural gas industry, built over more than six decades across exploration, production, transport, liquefaction, and marketing. He expressed Algeria's readiness to place this expertise at the service of the Forum and its member states by fostering technical and scientific cooperation and sharing best practices.
For his part, Mr Michelbelo praised Algeria's pivotal role within the Forum and its effective contribution to supporting cooperation. He commended the "efforts made to ensure the success of the Gas Research Institute and to elevate the Forum's standing on the international energy stage."
The two parties exchanged views on global natural gas market developments and the challenges facing the industry amid current geopolitical and economic shifts, particularly regarding supply security, investment sustainability, and the growth of global demand, the same source added.
Discussions also focused on strengthening coordination among member states in line with the outcomes of the 7th GECF Summit held in Algiers in March 2024, specifically the "Algiers Declaration." They underscored the strategic importance of natural gas as a primary resource for global energy security and a key pillar for energy transition, ensuring a balanced and fair transition that considers the specificities of producing countries and the needs of consumers.
Both sides also reviewed the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project, a strategic initiative linking Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria. They noted its contribution to regional economic integration and sustainable development, as well as its role in supporting the energy security of transit countries and international markets, praising the progress made and the actual launch of this significant project.
Furthermore, the talks addressed the growing role of the GECF as a strategic platform for dialogue. Both parties stressed the importance of the Forum's contribution to analyzing global energy market developments and formulating shared visions to strengthen the position of member states in international energy forums.
In this context, significant attention was given to "following up on the activation of the Gas Research Institute, as one of the strategic initiatives arising from the 7th GECF Summit," according to the ministry. They emphasized the need to accelerate its scientific and research programs and strengthen partnerships with research centers, universities, and energy institutions in member states to fulfill its role as an international hub for innovation and capacity building.
The meeting concluded with an opportunity to review the tasks and activities of the Gas Research Institute in supporting scientific research and fostering innovation in the energy field, the statement noted.
