Algeria participates in 26th ministerial meeting of GECF in Tehran
TEHRAN – Representing Algeria’s Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Arkab, the Secretary General of the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Abdelkrim Aouissi, participated on Sunday, in the 26th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and was accompanied by Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Sonatrach, and other ministry officials.
In his opening speech, Abdelkrim Aouissi emphasised that Algeria, as an active member of the forum, places great importance on strengthening cooperation among member states, particularly given the challenges facing the global energy sector. He also highlighted the success of the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of GECF member countries, hosted by Algeria in March 2024. Aouissi underscored that “the Algiers Declaration” adopted at the summit serves as an ambitious roadmap for a shared vision of a sustainable energy future, particularly with regard to natural gas.
Aouissi further pointed out that the forum, as a global platform for energy dialogue, continues to enhance its strategic role with expanding membership. This growth contributes to promoting natural gas as a practical solution to balance energy security with environmental sustainability. He also noted the projected global demand for natural gas is expected to increase by 34% to 36% by 2050, reinforcing its essential role in meeting the world’s growing energy needs.
The Algerian representative also highlighted the importance of long-term contracts linked to oil prices, stressing that they are a key strategic tool to enhance energy security and ensure a fair distribution of risks between producers and consumers. These contracts are crucial for promoting sustainable investments and fostering equitable partnerships in the gas sector.
In addition, Aouissi addressed the role of technological innovation in achieving energy objectives, emphasising Algeria’s support for the GECF’s efforts to accelerate the operation of the Gas Research Institute (GRI) based in Algeria. This institute is tasked with developing carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies, reducing methane emissions, and exploring the full potential of natural gas as a future energy source.
In his closing remarks, Aouissi reiterated Algeria’s full commitment to the forum’s objectives, underscoring the importance of defending the sovereignty of member states over their natural resources and advancing sustainable development. He also praised the leadership of the forum’s Secretary General, Mohamed Hamel, for his efforts in strengthening the forum’s international standing, expanding its membership, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting technological innovation.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) includes 12 full members, namely, Iran, Russia, Qatar, Algeria, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, the UAE, Venezuela, and Egypt. In addition to 8 observer countries: Angola, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru, and Senegal.
Together, GECF members control 70% of the world’s gas reserves, produce 40% of global gas output, and account for 47% of pipeline gas exports and 51% of LNG exports.
