GECF Summit in Algiers confirms Algeria’s important role on global energy scene

“The organization of such an important event in Algeria at a very special time, marked by the crucial importance of gas in energy security and the energy transition, reflects the important role played by Algeria within the GECF, as a founding member, and on the international energy scene as a reliable energy supplier,” the minister told APS.

Through the “Algiers Declaration”, which will crown the day of the summit on March 2, “Algeria, as a founding member of the GECF, will contribute with the member countries of this organization to shaping the energy future as a global advocate of natural gas and a platform for cooperation and dialogue,” he continued.

The aim is “to support member countries’ sovereign rights over their natural gas resources and to contribute to sustainable development and global energy security,” stated the minister.

Noting that the Summit Declaration will be the main document of the event, Arkab pointed out that the document was currently under discussion within the GECF High-Level Ad hoc Working Group, which Algeria chairs, and should “reflect the GECF’s objectives and Vision of making natural gas the central resource for inclusive and sustainable development.”

The Algiers Declaration will thus reflect the GECF’s common vision and position on various gas-related issues, such as the role of gas in the energy transition, the importance of gas infrastructure and investment, the promotion of gas as a clean and reliable energy source, and the strengthening of gas cooperation and dialogue with other stakeholders.

The Summit, to be held at the CIC Abdellatif Rehal, will be attended by heads of state, ministers and senior officials from the 12 member countries (Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela) and 7 GECF observer countries (Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique and Peru).

Inauguration of GRI headquarters, release of Global Gas Outlook and MoUs signed

The event, a preparatory meeting of which was chaired last Wednesday by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, includes several scientific, technical and diplomatic activities, including the inauguration of the headquarters of the GECF’s Gas Research Institute (GRI), which Algeria hosts and manages.

“The GRI was created to facilitate technological cooperation and conduct research to advance technology and knowledge in the natural gas industry, including through training programs, knowledge sharing between countries and academic partnerships,” Arkab emphasized.

Its role is in line with the strategic priority of the GECF, whose General Secretariat is headed by Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel, to advance modern technologies in the gas industry.

This institute will play an important role in the development, deployment and transfer of technologies that can improve the efficiency and environmental performance of the natural gas industry, by providing training programs for experts from member countries and sharing best practices and knowledge, developing partnerships with research centers and universities in member countries and supporting the vision and mission of the GECF as a global advocate of natural gas and a platform for cooperation and dialogue, according to the minister’s explanations.

He described the inauguration of the GRI headquarters as “an important milestone for GECF member countries, which will be able to leverage their collective knowledge, expertise and research capabilities.”

The event will also see the launch of the new edition of the GECF’s Global Gas Outlook 2050, the Forum’s annual publication, which provides a comprehensive analysis of global and regional gas markets, as well as the role of natural gas in the energy transition.

Moreover, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the GECF and major international and regional organizations will be inked.