Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, met with Senegalese Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Hadi Abdourahmane Diouf, to enhance cooperation between the two nations in the hydrocarbons sector. The meeting, which took place at the Ministry's headquarters, was attended by the Senegalese ambassador to Algeria, Mbabba Koura Ndiaye, and several high-ranking officials from both countries. The discussions focused on bolstering the existing brotherly and historical ties between Algeria and Senegal.
The two ministers reviewed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons, highlighting the strong and historic relations between the two countries. They expressed their shared desire to elevate their partnership to a strategic and multidimensional level, serving their mutual interests. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore ways to develop cooperation in various stages of the oil and gas value chain, including exploration, production, field development, refining, and petrochemicals.
Minister Arkab emphasized that Algeria, in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's directives, attaches great importance to enhancing African cooperation and promoting South-South partnerships. He stressed the need for increased coordination among African countries, particularly within the African Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries (APPO), to optimize resource utilization, ensure continental energy security, and address the challenges of energy transition and technology localization.
Minister Diouf expressed Senegal's keen interest in benefiting from Algeria's leading experience in exploration, production, and refining. He praised the high efficiency of Algerian human resources and the extensive technical expertise of national institutions, particularly Sonatrach. The Senegalese minister emphasized his country's desire to expand mutually beneficial investments with Algeria.
The two ministers also discussed ways to strengthen partnerships between Sonatrach and the Senegalese National Petroleum Company (PETROSEN). They reviewed agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two companies, which are expected to open up new investment opportunities and facilitate the transfer of expertise and advanced technologies.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of training and knowledge transfer, particularly between the Algerian Institute of Petroleum and Sonatrach's Management Academy, and specialized institutions in Senegal. This cooperation aims to enhance the skills of Senegalese cadres in the hydrocarbons sector and support their country's efforts to develop its energy industry.
The enhanced cooperation between Algeria and Senegal in hydrocarbons is expected to contribute to the growth and development of both countries. Key areas of collaboration will include exploration, production, and refining, as well as the transfer of technology and expertise. The partnership is seen as a significant step towards strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting African economic integration.
Key points
- Algeria and Senegal agree to strengthen cooperation in hydrocarbons.
- Senegal seeks to leverage Algeria's expertise in exploration, production, and refining.
- The partnership aims to promote African economic integration and enhance energy security.
