BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Sonatrach, the Algerian state-owned oil and gas company, has reaffirmed its strong partnership with Russian companies, according to CEO Toufik Hakkar. In an interview with Russian Today Arabic, Hakkar emphasized the reliability and solidity of the collaboration between Sonatrach and Russian energy giant Gazprom.
Hakkar, who was part of the delegation accompanying Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during his official visit to Russia, expressed confidence in the partnership with Gazprom. He revealed that both companies are actively working on the development of oil and gas fields in Algeria, with significant progress already made.
One notable achievement of the Sonatrach-Gazprom collaboration has been the discovery of two important deposits in the Al-Assal field, located approximately 140 kilometers southeast of Hassi Messaoud. Hakkar explained that a comprehensive plan has been devised to exploit these newfound resources effectively, ensuring their optimal extraction and contribution to the Algerian economy.
Highlighting the growing global demand for natural gas, Hakkar emphasized that Sonatrach is actively working to meet this increasing need. With an eye on the future, the company is investing in the development and expansion of its gas production capabilities to ensure a stable supply to international markets.
Moreover, Hakkar revealed that Sonatrach’s partnerships extend beyond Gazprom to encompass various Russian companies operating in sectors beyond oil and gas exploration. These partnerships have expanded into areas such as the service sector and the construction of factories, opening up new avenues for cooperation between Algeria and Russia.
The CEO emphasized the significance of these partnerships, stating that diversifying collaborations with Russian companies strengthens Algeria’s industrial landscape and contributes to its overall economic growth. By engaging in sectors beyond oil and gas, Sonatrach is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable economy.
The visit of President Tebboune to Russia, accompanied by Sonatrach’s CEO and other officials, signifies the importance of the Algerian-Russian partnership. Both countries have a long history of cooperation in various sectors, and this visit further solidifies their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of collaboration.
As Sonatrach continues to expand its partnerships with Russian companies and invest in the development of oil and gas resources, Algeria is well-positioned to meet the increasing global demand for energy. The reliable and fruitful partnership between Sonatrach and Gazprom, along with collaborations in other sectors, promises to drive Algeria’s economic progress and enhance its standing as a key player in the energy industry.
