Oil and Gas Minister Muhammad Aoun defended Libya’s energy partnerships with European and American companies while speaking at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Algeria.
Aoun stated that cooperation in the oil and gas sector should be based on equality, mutual interests and understanding the circumstances of each African country. He called for unifying African countries when it comes to gas, electricity, water and transportation networks in a way that serves their interests as well as the interests of other nations.
The minister renewed appeals for major African organizations to work together to benefit the continent, noting over 600 million Africans lack electricity access despite Africa’s tremendous wealth and resources.
Aoun affirmed that while Africa is not against partnerships with foreign companies and countries, there must be equal and fair partnerships that do not take advantage of developing nations. He revealed that GECF countries hold over 70% of proven global gas reserves, giving the forum great significance in supplying gas to meet world demand.
The minister praised Algeria and Libya’s roles as major African gas exporters and GECF members contributing gas supplies to alleviate Europe’s ongoing energy crisis.