Algeria hosts GECF for cooperation; Palestine headlines gas forum

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
2 Mar 2024 17:29

The Algerian President and several heads of state give key addresses during a forum for gas-producing nations in Algiers.

Heads of member states pose for a group photo during the seventh Gas Exporting Countries Forum hosted in Algiers, Algeria, on March 2, 2024. (AP)

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed that Algeria looks forward to close collaboration with gas-exporting countries to enhance the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and achieve its strategic objectives. During the seventh summit of the forum in Algeria on Saturday, Tebboune made several key remarks on the energy industry and multilateral cooperation.

The summit, attended by the heads of state and governments of member countries, aimed to discuss current energy challenges and the future of the gas industry.

Tebboune highlighted that the summit provides an opportunity to formulate a shared vision, safeguarding the interests of both gas producers and consumers simultaneously. He emphasized the crucial role of natural gas extraction in achieving sustainable development and meeting the increasing global energy needs.

In a welcoming gesture, Tebboune acknowledged the inclusion of Mozambique, Mauritania, and Senegal as new "observer members" in the forum.

Tunisian President Kais Saied, in his subsequent speech, asserted that member countries of the forum cannot tackle challenges, such as price fluctuations upon oil or gas discoveries, without unified collaboration. He warned against dispersed efforts, as it could lead to increased greed and bloodshed.

Raisi brings Palestine to the forefront of the summit

Following this address, Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi congratulated his Algerian counterpart on chairing the forum and thanked the Algerian people. Raisi urged international investors and forum members to engage in fruitful projects and regular cooperation for exchanging information and experiences related to gas technology. He emphasized that Iranian knowledge-based companies can set successful models in the region.

Raisi then shifted the focus to global issues, stating that the world system has entered a critical phase, condemning the West for ruthlessly crushing humanity, by supporting the Israeli genocide of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that the establishment of the Israeli regime is in fact a project to maintain Western dominance in the region.

Continuing his address, Raisi argued that the ongoing confrontation of "Israel", led by the Axis of Resistance, targets "the axis of evil," highlighting the continued use of destructive bombs by the United States via its ally, which led to the suffering of innocent children and women. Raisi warned that those who remain silent today will face severe consequences tomorrow.

Further criticizing the United Nations Security Council for its inability to halt the ceasefire, despite the UN Charter being a guarantee of security and peace, Raisi highlighted the clear role of the United States in hurdling peace and supplying the aggressor militarily, financially, and via media backing. He emphasized that if the US and Europe "genuinely desire peace," they should stop sending weapons that "Israel" uses to kill Palestinians.

Raisi noted the recent calls for a ceasefire and criticism of "Israel" and the US launched by multiple Latin American nations, saying that the issue has reached the global stage.

Affirming the resilience of the Palestinian people, Raisi thanked the Resistance, specifically Hamas, the heroic Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the honorable Yemenis who stand in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza. He wished victory for the Palestinian Resistance, the liberation of al-Quds, and saluted the heroes of the Resistance, confirming Iran's support for any initiative for a conclusive ceasefire.

Iraq increases gas production supports Palestine

Concluding the summit, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jameel al-Rashid announced in his speech that Iraq has increased its gas production to 4.7 million m3 in the past four years. He emphasized the crucial role of Algeria in reaching historical cooperation agreements. Al-Rashid expressed that stability in the Middle East will only be achieved when Palestine becomes independent, with its capital in the holy city of al-Quds.