During a high-level gathering of energy leaders from major oil-producing nations, Mohammad Arkab, who leads Algeria’s Ministry of Energy, articulated his country’s commitment to invest in Libya’s oil and gas sector and to advance ongoing exploration efforts. The remark underscored a shared regional ambition to bolster energy collaboration and unlock new reserves through coordinated exploration and development activities that could benefit both nations and the broader energy landscape in North Africa.
The statements were delivered at a roundtable convened among oil ministers from member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Toufik Hakkar, the President of Sonatrach, Algeria’s state energy champion, alongside Ashraf Ben Hussein, Algeria’s representative to OPEC. Libyan participation featured Mohammed Aoun, the Libyan Oil Minister, as well as Mustafa Abdullah bin Issa, Libya’s Permanent Representative to OPEC. The presence of Libyan and Algerian delegations highlighted a moment of intensified dialogue aimed at aligning national oil strategies with regional energy security objectives.
Discussions at the roundtable centered on cooperation in shale gas and broader hydrocarbon production, with a focus on how best to integrate technology, investment, and expertise to accelerate development in both countries. Aoun outlined the current trajectory for Tripoli’s oil and gas sector, detailing the exploration program planned for the next phase and identifying key projects that could attract international partners. He emphasized the importance of reopening and strengthening ties with regional players, noting that Libyan authorities are keen to see Algerian firms resume activities and accelerate exploration and appraisal work within Libyan basins. The conversation touched on the regulatory and logistical improvements needed to facilitate a quicker return of experienced teams, equipment, and investment capital to Libya’s upstream sector.
Looking ahead, the parties explored a framework for ongoing cooperation that would support joint ventures, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives in seismic imaging, drilling optimization, and enhanced oil recovery. The aim is to create a stable, attractive environment for both national and international operators, ensuring that exploration programs are pursued with rigorous safety, environmental stewardship, and transparent governance. Observers noted that such collaborations could help unlock additional, commercially viable resources and diversify energy supplies among member countries while contributing to regional economic stability. In summation, the ministers signaled a shared willingness to progress practical steps—ranging from joint studies to pilot projects—that would progressively integrate Libya’s upstream capabilities with Algeria’s seasoned energy network and operational know-how.
As the dialogue advances, analysts expect a continued emphasis on reducing production costs, accelerating development timelines, and harmonizing regulatory norms to minimize friction for cross-border projects. The enhanced alignment between Libyan and Algerian energy plans is seen as a strategic move to strengthen resilience in North Africa’s energy mix, support domestic job creation, and reinforce the region’s stature within the wider global energy economy. The overarching message from Arkab and his Libyan counterparts is clear: cooperative action and mutual investment can pave the way for a more robust, reliable, and diversified energy future for both nations and their partners.