OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais arrived in Algeria on September 26, 2026, for a working trip at the invitation of Algerian Minister of State and Minister of Energy and Mining, Mohamed Arkab. The visit, which will last until September 29, 2026, marks the 10th anniversary of the Algiers Agreement, a historic pact signed on September 28, 2016. This agreement was a crucial moment in promoting dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC countries.

The Algiers Agreement laid the groundwork for the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), which was adopted in December 2016 and is commonly referred to as "OPEC+." This cooperation framework has been instrumental in stabilizing the global oil market. Algeria played a significant role in brokering this agreement, and the country continues to be a key player in OPEC. The visit by Al-Ghais is a testament to the strong relationship between Algeria and OPEC.

During his visit, Al-Ghais will hold meetings with senior Algerian officials, including Minister of State and Minister of Energy and Mining Mohamed Arkab. These meetings will focus on developments in the energy sector, prospects for the global oil market, and issues of mutual interest. The visit is an opportunity for both sides to discuss ways to promote cooperation and stability in the global oil market.

The Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mining stated that the visit by Al-Ghais demonstrates the strong ties between Algeria and OPEC. The ministry emphasized the country's commitment to dialogue and cooperation with OPEC and its member countries. Algeria has been a member of OPEC since 1969 and has consistently played an active role in the organization.

The visit by Al-Ghais comes at a time when the global oil market is facing numerous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on oil demand, and the market continues to be volatile. OPEC and its allies have been working to stabilize the market through production cuts and other measures. Algeria, as a major oil producer, is well-positioned to contribute to these efforts.

The Algiers Agreement has been hailed as a significant achievement in promoting cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC countries. The agreement has helped to stabilize the global oil market and has provided a framework for countries to work together on energy issues. Algeria's role in brokering this agreement has been widely recognized, and the country continues to be a key player in OPEC.

The visit by Al-Ghais is expected to strengthen ties between Algeria and OPEC, and to promote cooperation on energy issues. The visit is also seen as an opportunity for Algeria to reaffirm its commitment to OPEC and to the principles of cooperation and dialogue that underpin the organization. Key issues to be discussed during the visit include the current state of the global oil market and prospects for cooperation between Algeria and OPEC.

Key points

  • The visit by OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais to Algeria marks the 10th anniversary of the historic Algiers Agreement.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.