ALGIERS – Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, received on Tuesday the Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Algeria, José Antonio Solarte Gómez, where they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of State to the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, in charge of Mines, Karima Bakir Tafer, and a number of senior ministry officials, the Algerian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines said in a statement.
On this occasion, the two sides explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Colombia, especially in the hydrocarbons and mining sectors. They also reviewed prospects for advancing these relations within the context of the historic ties between the two countries, alongside opportunities for partnership and investment between institutions from both nations across various areas of mutual interest, the statement said.
They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Sonatrach Group and Colombian companies active in the fields of oil, gas, and petrochemicals. In this context, Minister Arkab invited Colombian partners to participate in the international tenders launched by Algeria, particularly in the fields of hydrocarbon exploration and research.
The discussion also touched on avenues to expand cooperation in the mining sector by developing partnership projects in the fields of exploration, exploitation, and processing of mineral resources. This would involve benefiting from the Colombian experience in this area, including the exchange of technical and scientific expertise, as well as the development of training in mining professions, the source said.
During the meeting, Minister Arkab emphasized Algeria’s commitment to building balanced and fruitful strategic partnerships with friendly countries based on the principles of mutual benefit, technology transfer, and the valorization of national resources. He pointed to the importance of openness to successful international experiences, foremost among them the Colombian experience in developing oil and gas industries and exploiting mineral wealth in a way that serves the goals of sustainable development.
On his part, the Colombian Ambassador expressed his country’s appreciation for the cooperation opportunities available in Algeria, affirming that Algeria is a historic friend of Colombia. He emphasized that his country seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons and mining, and to develop South-South cooperation as a key driver to deepen the economic partnership and elevate it to the level of the excellent political and diplomatic relations that bind the two countries.
