Iran made a lot of diplomatic efforts to be the secretary general but we had tougher conditions in comparison to others as Iran held the post of secretary general for two terms (four years), Owji said after the 23rd Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum held via video conference on Tuesday November 16, 2021.

Let us not forget that the Gas Exporting Countries Forum has 11 members, only two of which have been able to serve as the secretary general, he added.

Algeria’s nominee was selected as the Forum’s secretary general for two years after several negotiations, he stated, I am pleased that our friend, Algeria, which accompanied us in international organizations such as OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and GECF, could held the post. I would like to extend my sincere congratulation and wish him continued success.

Owji stressed that Iran and Algeria will continue their close collaboration in GECF and OPEC, adding I had constructive negotiations with my Algerian counterpart and expect this cooperation will lead to good results.

The Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel is 64 years old and has 39 years of experience in various energy sectors. Holding degrees in mining engineering and economics, he is currently the senior advisor to Algerian Minister of Energy, Mohamed Arkab. He also served as the senior advisor to the secretary general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for five years and as the head of Energy Studies Department at the OPEC Secretariat for seven years.