ALGIERS — Algerian State Minister, Minister of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energy Mohamed Arkab affirmed on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Algeria’s availability, via Sonatrach, to support Ethiopia in developing its energy sector, particularly in oil and gas exploration and exploitation, a ministry’s statement said.
Arkab made these remarks during expanded discussions with Ethiopia’s Minister of Mines, Habtamu Tegegne, as part of his official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, according to the statement.
The talks were held with Sonatrach’s CEO, Rachid Hachichi, and Sonelgaz’s General Director, Mourad Adjal, in attendance, along with officials from the ministry and the two national institutions.
During the meeting, Arkab highlighted Algeria’s extensive experience, through the Sonatrach group, in production and exploration, stating that “Sonatrach has developed techniques and top-notch expertise enabling it to back Ethiopia in the development of its energy sector.”
The two parties examined joint investment opportunities in oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Ethiopia, especially in promising regions such as Ogaden.
In this respect, Arkab expressed “Algeria’s readiness to provide technical support and training to the Ethiopian side to strengthen its capacities in this field,” the statement added.
The two parties also discussed the possibility of “supplying Ethiopia with Algerian crude oil and petroleum products, given the increasing fuel demand in Ethiopia’s market.”
They agreed to “examine the technical and commercial aspects likely to facilitate this cooperation, in the best interests of both countries.”
The discussions also covered “enhancing bilateral cooperation in the mining and hydrocarbons sectors.”
The two parties underscored “the importance of developing the partnership in the exploration, exploitation and processing of mineral resources, particularly precious and rare metals like gold, phosphate, copper and zinc.”
They further discussed ways “of implementing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in 2014, which serves as a legal framework for cooperation in exploration, technology transfer, training and the exchange of expertise.”
It was agreed to “activate the joint working group to develop a clear roadmap for upcoming projects.”
Arkab stressed “the importance of establishing a strategic vision for technical and scientific cooperation between the two countries,” covering “geological studies, the exploitation of strategic minerals, as well as the development of human and technological skills in the mining sector.”
He also affirmed that “African cooperation is a strategic priority for Algeria, in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at bolstering economic integration within the continent.”
The minister said that “the Algeria-Ethiopia partnership in mining and energy will serve as a key driver for sustainable development.”
At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to “maintain dialogue and coordination through technical and commercial visits, boost partnerships between Algerian and Ethiopian companies, in a way that contributes to the development of cooperation in the fields of energy, mining and renewable energy,” the statement wrapped up.
