UNIDO Affirms Readiness to Strengthen Cooperation with Algeria in Energy Transition and Green Technology
Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, held talks on Monday with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Gerd Müller, where they reviewed the excellent relations between Algeria and UNIDO, while exploring ways to strengthen cooperation.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in the Saudi capital Riyadh, in the presence of Algeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to UNIDO, Larbi Latroch, and Algeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cherif Walid.
This meeting provided an opportunity to review the excellent relations between Algeria and UNIDO and to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons, mining, and energy industry, in addition to exploring new prospects for joint work in the areas of industrial technology, innovation, and sustainable development, the Algerian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines said in a statement.
The meeting also addressed Algeria’s role in promoting the circular economy, diversifying the national economy, and strengthening integrated manufacturing, with a focus on increasing the added value of natural resources and developing industrial value chains. The Minister emphasized the efforts being made to improve the competitiveness of the national economy, support micro and emerging industrial enterprises, and advance industrial digitization and clean technologies, considering them essential pillars for a modern and sustainable economy, the statement said.
The two sides also discussed the potential to expand cooperation to include technology transfer, training, human capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, particularly in the fields of green technology, pharmaceutical industry, new and renewable energies, and industrial innovation. Arkab also expressed Algeria’s aspiration for greater technical support from UNIDO in developing regulatory frameworks, enhancing industrial quality, encouraging investment, and supporting programs aimed at creating employment opportunities for youth.
Cooperation in the field of clean energy featured prominently in the discussions, particularly regarding Algeria’s strategic projects, such as the Algeria–Europe Hydrogen Alliance “ALTEH2A” and the Southern Hydrogen Corridor “SoutH2 Corridor,” where the importance of UNIDO’s contribution in supporting this new energy direction both technically and regulatory-wise was emphasized. In this context, Algeria welcomed UNIDO’s proposal to oversee the Secretariat of the SoutH2 Corridor project, given its strategic importance in supporting the global energy transition and strengthening South–North partnership, the statement added.
On the African dimension, Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to strengthening South–South cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy, mining, and industrial development, recalling the major regional projects in which Algeria participates. He also highlighted Algeria’s dedication to supporting African countries in human capacity development, knowledge transfer, and the development of energy-related industrial infrastructure.
For his part, the UNIDO Director General praised Algeria’s active participation in this international event, affirming the organization’s readiness to strengthen its cooperation with Algeria in the fields of sustainable industries, energy transition, innovation, and green technology. He also recalled the positive outcomes of his visit to Algeria in June 2024, which marked an important step toward enhancing cooperation between the two parties, during which he met with senior state officials, including the Algerian President.
This visit laid the groundwork for new levels of partnership in industrial development, youth integration, and support for start-ups. In this regard, Müller stressed that the UN agency is fully prepared to further develop cooperative relations with Algeria in many areas of shared interest.
