The website was launched by Mohamed Arkab, the minister of energy and mines of Algeria, alongside Karim Bibi-Triki, the minister of post and telecommunications of Algeria, Mohamed Laagab, minister of communications of Algeria and Mohamed Hamel, the secretary general of the GECF, at the Abdellatif Rahal International Conference Centre (CIC), gecf.org reported.

The GECF Summit serves as a platform for the esteemed leaders to engage in constructive dialogue and share their insights on recent developments and future perspectives regarding energy in general and natural gas in particular.

Hamel statement

Distinguished delegates,

It is with great honour that I extend a warm welcome to you at the 7th GECF Summit of the Heads of State and Government, scheduled to convene in the historical and vibrant city of Algiers, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, on March 2, 2024.

On behalf of the GECF, I extend our deepest gratitude to Algeria, a distinguished founding member of our forum, for graciously hosting the 7th Summit. Their relentless dedication and meticulous preparation for this momentous event truly highlight their unwavering commitment to our forum.

This summit presents an opportunity for leaders to engage in comprehensive discussions encompassing geopolitical, economic, and policy developments, providing an avenue to delve into both the immediate and long-term prospects and challenges in the natural gas sector. Moreover, the summit reiterates the important role of our forum in strengthening cooperation among member countries, advocating for natural gas as a pivotal element in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring stability in natural gas markets and addressing energy security, affordability, and sustainability. The summit also involves broadening the dialogue with consumer countries and like-minded organizations, while actively contributing to global discussions in international and multilateral forums.

Prior to the summit, a High Level Ad Hoc Working Group meeting and an Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting will prepare essential documents for the summit, including the declaration. The summit will be complemented by a series of important side events. Firstly, our presence in Algiers provides the perfect occasion to inaugurate the headquarters of the newly established GECF Gas Research Institute. Additionally, the esteemed delegates will witness the unveiling of the latest edition of the Global Gas Outlook, one of the GECF's flagship publications. An award ceremony to honour exemplary individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to the natural gas sector is part of the agenda. Finally, there is a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

Preparations for this prestigious summit, undertaken by the Algerian National Committee in collaboration with the GECF Secretariat, have mobilised all necessary resources, ensuring ideal conditions for a successful and productive event. I am confident that this summit will go beyond discussions and collaborations, providing delegates the opportunity to immerse themselves in Algeria's distinctive culture and warm hospitality.

I wish you a successful summit and an enjoyable stay in Algiers.