The changes taking place in global energy markets require enhanced cooperation and coordination among producing countries. This was the message delivered by the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, on the occasion of the 27th ministerial meeting of the member countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), highlighting Algeria’s ongoing commitment to the values of partnership, dialogue, and solidarity.
From Doha, the capital of Qatar, which hosted this latest GECF meeting, the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, who gave a speech at the opening of the 27th edition, called for strengthened cooperation and coordination between the member countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum to defend common interests in the face of profound changes affecting global energy markets, the ministry indicated in a statement.
The minister also emphasized the particular importance of this Doha meeting, which, he noted, “comes at a sensitive time for the global energy sector,” while underlining the crucial role of natural gas, especially in ensuring the energy transition.
“The forum has established itself as the collective and credible voice advocating for natural gas as a clean, safe, and abundant energy source, playing a pivotal role in ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable development,” stated the Minister of State, who reiterated “Algeria’s constant attachment to the values of partnership, dialogue, and solidarity, which form the foundation of the GECF.”
The Hydrocarbons Minister highlighted “Algeria’s ongoing willingness to actively contribute to reinforcing the Forum’s role as a reliable and influential organization defending the interests of its members in regional and international forums.” Arkab also stressed “our country’s conviction that natural gas is not only a transition energy but indeed the energy of the future, contributing to global energy security, sustainable development, and improving people’s well-being.”
He further praised “the significant efforts made by the Forum’s General Secretariat to promote dialogue and cooperation between member states and to strengthen natural gas’s place in the global energy mix.”
The minister also stressed the importance of stability and security in natural gas markets, emphasizing that “predictable, balanced, and transparent markets serve the interests of both producers and consumers.”
“Achieving this goal requires sufficient investments in infrastructure and supply, alongside constructive and sustainable dialogue among all concerned parties,” he added.
Moreover, the Minister of State praised “the leading role of the Gas Research Institute (GRI), part of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and based in Algiers, as a scientific and research platform dedicated to developing technical knowledge and innovation in the gas industry.” He reaffirmed that Algeria will continue supporting this institute to make it a major reference in applied research aimed at improving production, transport, and consumption efficiency while reducing emissions.
Regarding the fight against climate change, Arkab recalled “the need to maintain international efforts based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, while respecting each state’s sovereign right to choose its own national path for a just and balanced energy transition.” He emphasized “the pivotal role of natural gas as a low-carbon energy source and an indispensable lever for the success of the global energy transition.”