Algeria – Côte d'Ivoire: Towards a partnership in hydrocarbons and mining

The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, held talks on Wednesday via videoconference with his Ivorian counterpart, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly.

This meeting follows on from previous exchanges between the two countries and aims to strengthen and develop bilateral cooperation. It is also part of efforts to promote South–South cooperation.

During the discussions, the two ministers reviewed the status and prospects for cooperation across the entire hydrocarbon value chain, from exploration and production to refining, petrochemicals, transport and marketing of petroleum products, without forgetting training and capacity building.

They expressed their desire to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership based on mutual interests. The Ivorian minister praised Algeria's expertise, particularly through the Sonatrach group, and called for closer cooperation with the Ivorian company PETROCI, through the establishment of joint technical teams and exchange visits with a view to implementing operational projects.

Algeria ensures technology transfer

For his part, Mr Arkab reaffirmed Algeria's willingness to support Côte d'Ivoire by transferring its technical and institutional expertise and by stepping up training and capacity-building programmes, particularly through its specialised institutes, to help build an integrated and sustainable oil industry.

Concerning the mining sector, the two ministers emphasised the importance of developing cooperation in the areas of research, exploration, exploitation, production and processing of mineral resources. Emphasis was placed on the exchange of experiences and the transfer of know-how to enhance the value of natural resources and generate added value for the economic development of both countries.

Discussions also focused on prospects for supplying Côte d'Ivoire with refined petroleum products and strengthening trade relations between companies in both countries in this area.

In conclusion, both parties agreed to continue consultations and coordination, while working to update and finalise the legal framework governing bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon and mining sectors, with a view to signing concrete agreements in the near future.