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Opec calls for energy dialogue, cooperation

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) has urged for continuous enhancement of energy dialogue and cooperation.

“The future will increasingly be one of interdependence. We do not live in a world of independent energy nations, which is why we need to continually enhance dialogue and cooperation,” said Opec Secretary-General, Abdalla S. El Badri in his introductory comments at the 14th IEF (International Energy Forum) ministerial meeting, convened on Thursday-Friday, where oil producers and consumers from around the world and other global energy stakeholders gather for wide-ranging discussions.

“The IEF Ministerial symbolises such efforts,” added El Badri at the inauguration of Opec 2014 Ministerial Meeting, this year organised under the theme “Global Energy Security Through Dialogue”.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Arkady Dvorkovich, in his welcoming address said the dialogue which takes place under the auspices of the IEF is important, especially with geopolitical events affecting “business processes” and the energy sector.

Secretary-General of the IEF, Dr Aldo Flores-Quiroga said by participating in the IEF Ministerial Meeting, delegates demonstrate a firm commitment to supporting stability and security despite the many challenges in the global environment. “After all, energy is first and foremost an instrument of peace.”

Opec’s two-day ministerial meeting, which is convened every two years, aims at fostering dialogue and enhancing communications among and between the world’s energy producers and consumers, providing, as Flores-Quiroga said, “a neutral and inclusive platform” for discussing emerging issues facing all energy stakeholders. Opec said the next IEF Ministerial Meeting will be held in Algeria in 2016.