Algerian Energy Minister Holds Talks with Sudanese, Mauritanian Counterparts

Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa received Tuesday in Algiers Sudanese Petroleum and Gas Minister and Mauritania's Petroleum and Energy Minister, respectively Mohamed Zaid Awad and Mohamed Ould Abdelfettah. These talks took place on the sidelines of the 15th International Energy Forum (IEF15), the Energy Ministry announced in a communiqué.

During his meeting with Awad, "Boutarfa discussed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and training, as well as perspectives of their development," the communiqué added. In order to strengthen cooperation between both countries, "both officials agreed to install a working group that will held its first meeting during IEF15." Besides, talks between Boutarfa and his Mauritanian counterpart focused on bilateral cooperation, mainly between Sonatrach's subsidiary in Mauritania (Sipex) that supervises exploration blocks in this Maghreb country.

The Algerian party confirmed Sonatrach's interest in strengthening its presence in Mauritania." Both officials identified cooperation opportunities between the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company (SMH), particularly in training, services and oil works, the same source stated.