All eyes will be on Vladimir Putin’s movements as the Gas Exporting Countries Forum convenes the 4th High Level Ad-Hoc Working Group meeting at the GECF Secretariat.
Putin did not attend the recent BRICS Summit in South Africa and was absent, along with China’s President Xi Jinping from last week’s G20 gathering of world leaders in India where the most notable omission was Russia was not being condemned as responsible for hostilities in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Russia, working in tandem with Saudia Arabia on closely controlled spigots, has been labelled a villain of the piece for oil prices hovering just under $90 a barrel and gas constraints which has put inflationary pressure on many western countries in what many perceive as a tit for tat response for sanctions slapped on Putin, many of his oligarchs and Russia.
Putin and Russia have always been active players in GECF events, so Putin’s itinerary for the Summit of State and Government will be watched closely, with the HLAWG meeting at the GECF Secretariat setting the stage for the Summit on 2 March in Algiers, Algeria.
The HLAHWG, comprising representatives from GECF member countries, including Algeria,
Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE,
and Venezuela, oversees the preparations for the upcoming edition of this biennial gathering.
During the session, the Algerian delegation presented comprehensive updates on the
ongoing preparations, as well as insights into the Summit’s draft agenda and draft
declaration.
The GECF Summit represents a pivotal moment for member countries and the global energy
community. It serves as a platform for fostering international cooperation, addressing critical
energy challenges, and shaping the future of the gas industry, the GECF said.
“As the countdown begins to the 7 th Summit of Heads of State and Government, the GECF
looks forward to welcoming leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the world to
Algiers, where strategic dialogues and collaborative efforts will chart the course for a
sustainable, secure, and prosperous energy future,” said HE Hamel.
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17/05/2021
