The Algerian government has continued its charm offensive to solidify its relationships with international oil companies (IOCs) in the aftermath of the shock replacement of the country’s energy minister in late May (MEES, 9 June). It has also officially inaugurated a major new gas pipeline to take gas to market from the southeast of the country.
Officials at state energy company Sonatrach met in early June with representatives of Italy’s Eni and Spain’s Repsol in an effort to strengthen Algeria’s relationship with the two firms. The meetings are a sign that the authorities are taking seriously the task of ensuring its IOC partners are on side. The recent meetings came against the backdrop of the decision to settle a dispute with France’s Technip (MEES, 9 June), and a few weeks after Sonatrach signed a cooperation agreement to bring an end to a long-running action brought by France’s Total against the state firm (MEES, 21 April). (CONTINUED - 931 WORDS)
