Algeria’s Minister of State, Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, participated in the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) held in Doha, Qatar. The meeting, chaired by Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdul Sadeq, the current GECF President, brought together ministers from member countries and the GECF Secretary-General.
In his address, Minister Arkab expressed gratitude to Qatar for its hospitality and commended the GECF Secretariat’s efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among member states, emphasizing the importance of natural gas in the global energy mix. He highlighted that the Doha meeting occurred at a critical time for the global energy sector.
Minister Arkab emphasized the GECF’s role as a reliable voice advocating for natural gas as a clean, secure, and abundant energy source. He stated that the forum plays a crucial role in ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable development. He stressed the importance of stability and security in natural gas markets, arguing that predictable, balanced, and transparent markets benefit both producers and consumers. Achieving this requires sufficient investment in infrastructure and supplies, along with constructive and sustained dialogue among all stakeholders.
Minister Arkab called for increased cooperation and coordination within the GECF to address evolving economic and environmental challenges. He also urged member states to collectively defend their interests amidst the profound transformations occurring in global energy markets. He further emphasized that international efforts to combat climate change should be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, respecting each nation’s sovereign right to choose its national path towards a just and balanced energy transition.
He pointed to the vital role of natural gas as a low-carbon source and an essential element in achieving a successful global energy transition. Minister Arkab praised the leading role of the GECF Gas Research Institute (GRI), hosted by Algeria, as a scientific and research platform for advancing technical knowledge and innovation in the natural gas industry. He affirmed Algeria’s continued support for the institute to become a leading reference in applied research aimed at improving production, transportation, and consumption efficiency while reducing emissions.
Minister Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s unwavering commitment to the values of partnership, dialogue, and solidarity that underpin the GECF. He emphasized Algeria’s readiness to contribute effectively to supporting the forum’s progress and enhancing its role as a reliable and effective organization defending the interests of its members in regional and international forums. He concluded by reiterating Algeria’s conviction that natural gas is not just an energy source but a crucial component for a sustainable future, advocating for its continued and responsible development to meet global energy demands while minimizing environmental impact. The discussions at the GECF meeting centered around strategies to ensure stable gas supplies, promote investment in gas infrastructure, and address the challenges posed by climate change and energy transition policies. The focus remained on strengthening the position of natural gas as a key element in the global energy mix for decades to come.
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