The ad-hoc high-level working group dedicated to preparations for the 7th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) initiated its meeting at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center (CIC) in Algiers on Thursday.
The primary objective of this gathering was the formulation of the "Algiers Declaration," slated for review on Friday during ministerial meeting and subsequent adoption on Saturday by the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Forum.
Within the extraordinary ministerial meeting of the GECF, Energy Ministers will deliberate on the conclusive version of the Algiers Declaration and associated resolutions. These will then receive approval from the Heads of State and Government of the Forum during the summit presided over by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Following the morning session of expert discussions, an inaugural event for the GECF Gas Research Institute headquarters, situated in Tower-B of the Ministry of Energy and Mines in Algiers, held on Thursday afternoon.
This institute is poised to function as a hub for innovation and research dedicated to advancing gas-related technologies.
At the CIC, the "Global Gas Outlook," the flagship publication of the Forum in its 8th edition, was presented. This unveiling was attended by industry professionals, academics, and representatives from national and international media.
Mohamed Arkab, the Minister of Energy and Mines, emphasized that the Algiers Summit addressed significant challenges, with a specific focus on matters of common cooperation among the primary gas-producing nations. The aim was to ensure stability in global gas markets and address challenges related to the future demand for this clean energy resource.
In press statements, he underlined that "common cooperation among gas-producing countries will be among the main items on the summits agenda," stressing the importance of securing supply and demand and promoting common interests through long-term commercial contracts. He also highlighted the necessity to bolster joint efforts in the investment and financing of future projects.
The GECF comprises 12 permanent members (Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela) and 7 observer members (Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru).
As an intergovernmental organization representing major gas-exporting countries globally, the Forum oversees 70 per cent of the worlds proven gas reserves, more than 40 per cent of marketed production, 47 per cent of pipeline exports, and over half of LNG exports globally.
The Forum is committed to shaping the energy future as a global advocate for natural gas, fostering cooperation and dialogue to support member countries sovereign rights over their natural gas resources, and contributing to sustainable development and global energy security.
