By: AL24 news

Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Arkab, met on Tuesday in Algiers with Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad. Their discussions focused on developing and enhancing bilateral cooperation, as stated by the ministry.

The meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters, attended by officials from the ministry and the Nigerien ambassador to Algeria. Both parties examined “the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries, as well as strategies to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy and hydrocarbons sectors,” according to the statement.

They also reviewed “recent developments regarding joint projects, which include research, exploration, and exploitation of hydrocarbons, refining, petrochemicals, and the marketing and distribution of petroleum products, along with forthcoming projects related to electricity production, transport, and distribution in Niger,” the report added.

Additionally, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the progress of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, underscoring the necessity for ongoing coordination meetings among relevant stakeholders and monitoring the execution of decisions made during previous trilateral meetings involving the ministers responsible for hydrocarbons from Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria, the most recent of which was held in Algiers.

During the meeting, Arkab reiterated “Algeria’s commitment to supporting our Nigerien brothers, especially in the energy and oil industries.” He emphasized the significance of transferring Algerian expertise and developing training programs for Nigerien professionals. He also mentioned potential collaborative opportunities in mining and geological studies, which present promising prospects for strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

In response, Sangaré expressed his satisfaction with “the close cooperation between the two countries,” praising “the technical support provided by Sonatrach and Sonelgaz to Niger, which is vital for achieving our common objectives.”

He further highlighted “the importance of training programs offered by Algerian institutes aimed at upgrading and qualifying Nigerien teams of executives and technicians in hydrocarbons and electricity, with the aim of enhancing Niger’s capabilities in these essential sectors.”

The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy noted that this meeting reaffirms “the mutual desire of Algeria and Niger to bolster energy cooperation and investment, aligning with the strategic interests of both countries while reinforcing economic partnerships and development in the region.”