On Tuesday, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Algeria and Niger in the field of hydrocarbons. The agreement was signed by the Minister of State, Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, and the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum, Hammad Tini, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand partnership areas between the two countries in the energy sector.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy, the signing took place on the sidelines of the second session of the Great Algerian-Nigerien Joint Commission for Cooperation, held in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, on March 23 and 24. The session was co-chaired by the Prime Minister, Sifi Gharib, and his Nigerien counterpart, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine.
The MoU aims to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons based on mutual benefit and respect for the legislation in force in both countries. This will be achieved through the development of joint projects across the value chain, particularly in the areas of exploration and production, geological studies, the exchange of technical and scientific information, and the strengthening of partnerships between national companies.
The areas of cooperation also include continuing research and exploration activities at the Kafra field in northern Niger, modernizing and improving the performance of the Soraz refinery, and developing the petrochemical complex in Dosso. Additionally, the agreement covers coordination in the implementation of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project and the exchange of expertise regarding its technical and environmental aspects.
The memorandum further stipulates enhancing cooperation in training and technology transfer, organizing training programs, and exchanging experts. It also focuses on developing partnerships between national institutions, such as Sonatrach, SONIDEP, and Naftal, covering transport, storage, distribution activities, and securing supply chains.
In this context, the Minister of State, Minister of Energy and Mines, held bilateral talks on Monday with the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum, Hammad Tini, and the Minister of Mines, Abarchi Ousmane, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbons and mining sectors.
