In a historic step toward transcontinental energy integration, the Executive Secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), Andrés Rebolledo Smitmans, and Algeria’s Minister of State for Energy, Mines and Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, signed today a strategic Roadmap that redefines cooperation between North Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.
This milestone is part of OLACDE’s official visit to Algiers, where one of the most significant engagements was the audience granted by the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to the Organization’s Executive Secretary. This high-level meeting underscores the political and strategic importance both parties place on energy integration.
During the audience, the importance of the Meeting of Ministers as the governing body that defines the organization’s institutional policies was highlighted, along with the technical support of the Board of Experts—key elements ensuring that this partnership translates into robust work plans and tangible benefits for Member States.
A Quarter Century of Energy Partnership
This meeting not only looks ahead but also honors a long-standing relationship. During the discussions in Algiers, both parties celebrated the strength of a partnership that has been continuously reinforced since Algeria initiated its accession process to OLACDE on July 9, 2001, later attaining Permanent Observer status in 2018.
This 25-year trajectory positions Algeria as a key partner and a technical bridge between the two regions, reaffirming its commitment to the sustainable development and integration objectives promoted by OLACDE.
Roadmap Signing: From Dialogue to Technical Action
The signing of the Roadmap establishes a practical and ambitious framework to elevate cooperation to unprecedented levels. The document prioritizes the implementation of joint projects in areas where Algeria’s expertise is globally recognized:
• Hydrocarbon industry: Strengthening technological partnerships in exploration, production, and resource development.
• Value chain development: Joint investments to enhance the oil and gas industry.
• Human capital and innovation: Intensive technical training programs, technology transfer, and collaboration among research centers to develop new energy networks.
Market Stability and a Just Transition
In the context of the current global landscape, Minister Arkab and Executive Secretary Rebolledo addressed oil and gas market volatility, agreeing on the urgency of strengthening coordination among producing countries to ensure supply security and global market stability.
“Cooperation with OLACDE must be based on balanced approaches that respect the sovereignty of developing countries. We advocate for a just and sustainable energy transition that does not compromise national energy security,” Minister Arkab emphasized.
South-South Cooperation: A Common Front
Andrés Rebolledo, who also held meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Syed Ahmed Ataf, highlighted Algeria’s role as a reliable partner:
“Algeria’s extensive technical expertise, built since 2001, is an invaluable asset for our region. This Roadmap is not just a document—it is a South-South cooperation tool to defend our strategic interests in the global energy dialogue,” Rebolledo stated.
The ceremony was attended by key leaders of Algeria’s energy sector, including SONATRACH President Rachid Hachichi; ALNAFT President Samir Boukhali; and Hydrocarbon Regulatory Authority (ARH) President Amine Melaika.
About OLACDE
The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization is an intergovernmental body for consultation and technical cooperation, aimed at promoting energy integration and security across the region. Algeria—maintaining a close relationship with the Organization since 2001—is one of its most important strategic partners outside the Americas.
For more information, please contact:
Diana Soriano, Head of Communications
diana.soriano@olacde.org
