Republic Congo

The 9th OPEC Seminar in Vienna: Charting Pathways Together for the Future of Global Energy

Michael — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:47:27 +0000

Vienna, 10 July 2025 – On the occasion of the 9th Seminar of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), held from 9 to 10 July 2025 at the Imperial Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of the Congo in Austria stood out for its active diplomatic engagement, its role as a facilitator, and its notable presence on the international stage.

A high-profile event in the Austrian capital

Held under the theme “Charting Pathways Together: the Future of Global Energy,” the seminar brought together energy ministers, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, and experts from around the world. The Republic of the Congo, a member of OPEC, took part in strategic discussions on the future of the global energy sector.

A central role for the Congolese Consulate in Vienna

Throughout the event, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of the Congo in Austria, led with professionalism and dedication by Honorary Consul Martin Litschauer, maintained a consistent diplomatic presence. The Consulate contributed to coordinating exchanges between delegations and facilitated bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the seminar.

This consular representation plays a key role in strengthening diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Congo and Austria, as well as with other countries accredited in the region. Through its actions, the Congo continues to promote its strategic interests within a stable and constructive diplomatic framework.

A bilateral meeting with the Vice President of Venezuela

As part of the seminar, the Consulate also facilitated a high-level bilateral meeting between the Congolese delegation and the Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Ms. Delcy Rodríguez. This exchange provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for South-South energy cooperation in a spirit of solidarity, friendship, and shared development.

The discussions focused on shared challenges related to oil production, market stability, and the need to defend the interests of producing countries in a world undergoing an energy transition. The mediation and support of Honorary Consul Martin Litschauer helped ensure the smooth conduct of this diplomatic meeting.

Proximity diplomacy in service of the Congo

The 2025 OPEC Seminar once again demonstrated the importance of a dynamic and proactive consular presence in Vienna. The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of the Congo has established itself as an essential link for promoting the country’s priorities, supporting official delegations, and strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties with Austria and the international institutions based in Vienna.

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Edith Antoinette, the new Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo in Germany

Michael — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:26:00 +0000

On August 24, 2023, history was made as Edith Antoinette Itoua was officially accredited as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to Germany. The prestigious ceremony took place at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin, where Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warmly welcomed her into her new role.

Edith Antoinette Itoua’s appointment as Ambassador marks a significant moment in the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Congo and Germany. It reflects the countries’ commitment to fostering strong ties and promoting cooperation on various fronts, including trade, culture, and diplomacy.

Ambassador Itoua brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, having served in various diplomatic capacities over the years. Her dedication to diplomacy and her deep understanding of international affairs make her a valuable asset to both her home country and Germany.

This momentous occasion was not limited to Germany alone. In a show of camaraderie and solidarity, the Consul of the Republic of the Congo in Austria extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Itoua. This gesture highlights the interconnectedness of diplomatic missions and the importance of collaboration on the global stage.

As Ambassador Edith Antoinette Itoua assumes her new role, she carries with her the aspirations of both the Republic of Congo and Germany for a future characterized by peace, prosperity, and international cooperation. Her appointment signifies a promising chapter in the ongoing story of diplomatic relations between these two nations.

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8th OPEC International Seminar

Michael — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 13:55:00 +0000

The 8th OPEC International Seminar “Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Transition” was held on 5-6 July 2023 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. The seminar brought together participants from various sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, academics, media and civil society. The seminar aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation on the challenges and opportunities of the global energy transition, as well as to highlight the role of OPEC and its member countries in ensuring a stable and secure energy market.

This year’s seminar featured a slate of exhibitions, high-level roundtables and ministerial sessions with keynote speeches by prominent figures. Including the Secretary General of OPEC, HE Haitham Al Ghais, the President of the OPEC in 2023, HE Antonio Oburu Ondo, and Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, HE Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua.

The agenda included the following key topics:

The changing energy needs and challenges of the world and the emerging technologies and solutions in the industry.
Impact of big swings in oil prices on the oil market and the ways to prevent them.
The goal of ensuring secure, affordable and clean energy for everyone, which is essential for sustainable energy.
Investment, finance and growth strategies for the oil sector that benefit all people and countries.
Technology and innovation that lower emissions and fight climate change. This includes capturing and using carbon dioxide, making hydrogen from natural gas, turning crude oil into chemicals, combining renewable energy with oil and gas, and using digital tools to improve efficiency.
The end of energy poverty and the access to modern energy services for people, especially in the face of COVID-19, geopolitics, and economic troubles.
Balance between the energy demand of the world economy and the creation of a sustainable and climate-friendly energy system that supports development.
Cooperation with other countries and organizations to diversify economies and reduce dependence on oil.

In conclusion, the meeting was a great opportunity to show how OPEC and its members are working to make the energy transition better for everyone. The meeting also allowed different people to share their ideas and opinions on how to deal with the issues and opportunities that the energy sector faces.

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186th Meeting of the OPEC Conference

Michael — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:39:00 +0000

Do you know what happened in Vienna on 3 June 2023 that affects the price of oil and gas in our country? The 186th OPEC Ministerial Conference, a big meeting of the world’s top oil producers, took place there. We joined OPEC in 2018 and we are Africa’s third largest oil producer. We have a lot of oil and gas under our land and sea, but we haven’t used all of it yet. The important meeting was attended by:

Congo's Minister of Hydrocarbons HE Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua
Libya's Minister of Oil and Gas HE Mohamed Oun
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman
Secretary General of OPEC HE Haitham Al Ghais
and other representatives from major oil producers and consumers

The decision of the 35th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, held on the next day, adjusted the amount of crude oil they make for the whole year of 2024, starting from 1 January. Russia’s amount was set at 9.828 million barrels per day, based on how much oil they made in February 2023. However, this amount may change by June 2023, because Russia is checking its production figures with other sources. This agreement will help to stabilize prices, which had fallen in recent months as the world economy slowed down.

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H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso paid an official visit to Vienna

Michael — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 11:57:18 +0000

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, paid an official visit to Vienna, Republic of Austria, from 16 to 18 March 2023. The visit aimed to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and to explore new areas of cooperation, especially in the fields of energy, trade, culture, and education.

The delegation included:

Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Congo
Victorien Obouangongo, Diplomatic and Political Advisor to the Minister
Ibara Ngoualea, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Jean-Paul Ganongo, Press Attaché
Benjamin Monkassa, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in Berlin
Litschauer Martin, Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Congo in Vienna
Derd Tapai, translator

During his stay in Vienna, Minister Gakosso met with his Austrian counterpart, H.E. Alexander Schallenberg, and discussed various regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law and expressed their support for the United Nations and its specialized agencies. They also exchanged views on the situation in Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region and the Central African Republic, where the Republic of the Congo plays an active role in promoting peace and stability. The fight against terrorism and extremism, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Paris Agreement on climate change, was also discussed.

In addition, Minister Gakosso visited the headquarters of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and met with its Secretary General, H.E. Haitham Al Ghais He conveyed his appreciation for OPEC’s efforts to stabilize the global oil market and to ensure a fair price for oil producers and consumers. He also reiterated his country’s adherence to OPEC’s decisions and policies.

On March 17, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso had a meeting with the CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Rob Floyd, in Vienna on 17.03.2023 at 11:00 to express the Republic of the Congo’s support in international peace and security.

That same day, Minister Gakosso and his delegation held talks with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), H.E. Rafael Mariano Grossi, and thanked him for his support to the Republic of the Congo in developing its nuclear energy program for peaceful purposes. He expressed his interest in enhancing cooperation with the IAEA in areas such as health, agriculture, and water management.

The day ended with another official visit. This time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Jean-Claude Gakoss, together with other members of the delegation, visited the Consulate of the Republic of the Congo in Austria, led by Consul Litschauer Martin.

The visit of Minister Gakosso to Vienna was a success and marked a new milestone in the friendly and fruitful relations between the Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Austria. Both sides expressed their commitment to further enhance their cooperation for the benefit of their peoples and the world.

The 9th OPEC Seminar in Vienna: Charting Pathways Together for the Future of Global Energy

July 15, 2025

The 9th OPEC Seminar was held from 9 to 10 July 2025 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, under the theme “Charting Pathways Together: the Future of Global Energy.” The Republic of the Congo, represented by the Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, reaffirmed its commitment to a just, sustainable, and inclusive energy transition.

Edith Antoinette, the new Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo in Germany

August 28, 2023

Edith Antoinette Itoua, newly accredited as the Republic of Congo’s Ambassador to Germany and her visit to Vienna.

8th OPEC International Seminar

July 8, 2023

Read more about the 8th OPEC International Seminar, held in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace on July 5-6, 2023. The main focus of the seminar was to encourage dialogue and cooperation on the challenges and opportunities presented by the global energy transition.

186th Meeting of the OPEC Conference

June 5, 2023

The 186th Meeting of the OPEC Conference held on 3 June 2023 resulted in key decisions that will shape the world’s energy market.

H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso paid an official visit to Vienna

March 19, 2023

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, paid an official visit to Vienna, Republic of Austria, from 16

Visit at the Consulate of the Republic of the Congo in Austria

March 18, 2023

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, visited the Consulate of the Republic of Congo in Austria, led by Consul Litschauer Martin.

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Visit at the Consulate of the Republic of the Congo in Austria

Michael — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 18:52:32 +0000

As an important part of the Republic of the Congo’s representation abroad, on 17.03.2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Congo H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, together with other members of the delegation, visited the Consulate of the Republic of Congo in Austria, led by Honorary Consul Litschauer Martin.

The Honorary Consul Litschauer Martin welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his delegation at the Consulate of the Republic of Congo in Vienna. He briefed them on the activities and services that the Consulate offers to the Congolese community and citizens in Austria. He also presented some of the projects that he has initiated or supported to promote the image and interests of the Republic of Congo in Austria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the Honorary Consul for his dedication and efforts to foster a closer relationship between the two countries. He also praised the role that the Congolese diaspora plays in contributing to the development and stability of their homeland.

The visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs was a successful and fruitful one that reaffirmed the friendship and partnership between the Republic of Congo and Austria. It also demonstrated the commitment of both sides to work together for peace, prosperity, and progress in Africa and Europe.

If you want to be part of that partnership and promote goodwill between the two countries, apply to become an honorary consul. You will receive a prompt response from the appropriate authorities.

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Meeting with the Director General of the IAEA

Michael — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:24:55 +0000

On March 17, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), H.E. Rafael Mariano Grossi, in Vienna, Austria. The meeting was part of a bilateral visit by Minister Gakosso to Austria, where he also held talks with his counterpart, H.E. Alexander Schallenberg, and other senior officials.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and the IAEA in the fields of nuclear energy, nuclear safety and security, and nuclear applications for development. Minister Gakosso expressed his appreciation for the technical assistance and capacity building provided by the IAEA to his country, especially in areas such as health, agriculture, water management and environmental protection. He also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to adhere to the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards, as well as to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Africa and globally.

Director General Grossi welcomed Minister Gakosso’s visit and praised the Republic of the Congo for its active participation in the IAEA’s activities and programmes. He highlighted the potential benefits of nuclear technology for addressing some of the key challenges faced by the country, such as improving access to electricity, enhancing food security and combating diseases. He also assured Minister Gakosso of the IAEA’s continued support and collaboration in implementing various projects and initiatives under the framework of the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2019-2024.

The two officials also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, such as the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear programme, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the role of nuclear energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They agreed on the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and dialogue on these matters, as well as on enhancing the visibility and outreach of the IAEA’s work.

The meeting between Minister Gakosso and Director General Grossi was a positive and fruitful one, reflecting the strong and cordial relations between the Republic of the Congo and the IAEA. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of their discussions and their willingness to further deepen their partnership in advancing their common interests and objectives.

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Meeting with the CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd

Michael — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:39:09 +0000

On March 17, 2023, at 11:00 a historic meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, and the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Dr. Rob Floyd, in Vienna. The meeting aimed to strengthen the cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and the CTBTO on issues related to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and verification.

H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso is a prominent figure in Congolese politics and diplomacy. He has been serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2015, succeeding Basile Ikouébé. He is also a member of the Mbochi tribe and a close ally of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso. He holds a degree in journalism from the Sorbonne University in France and has taught at the Marien Ngouabi University in Congo. He has also authored several books on topics such as media regulation.

Dr. Rob Floyd is an Australian scientist and diplomat who became the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO in 2021, following the retirement of Lassina Zerbo. He has a Ph.D. in population ecology from Griffith University and has worked as a senior official in various Australian government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. He has also been involved in several international initiatives on nuclear security and verification, such as the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification and the International Monitoring System.

The meeting between H.E. Gakosso and Dr. Floyd was an opportunity to discuss the status of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear explosions for any purpose. The CTBT was opened for signature in 1996 and has been signed by 186 States and ratified by 177 States, including Congo. However, it has not yet entered into force, as eight States listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty have not ratified it: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, and the United States.

H.E. Gakosso reaffirmed Congo’s commitment to the CTBT and its objectives of preventing nuclear proliferation and promoting nuclear disarmament. He also expressed his appreciation for the work of the CTBTO and its verification regime, which consists of a global network of over 300 monitoring stations and laboratories that can detect any nuclear explosion anywhere on Earth. He praised Dr. Floyd’s leadership and vision for enhancing the CTBTO’s capabilities and outreach.

Dr. Floyd thanked H.E. Gakosso for his support and cooperation and commended Congo for its active participation in the CTBTO’s activities and events. He also briefed him on the latest developments and challenges facing the CTBT and its verification regimes, such as the recent nuclear tests conducted by North Korea, the modernization of nuclear arsenals by some States, and the impact of climate change on monitoring technologies. He urged H.E. Gakosso to use his influence and voice to encourage other African States, especially Egypt, to ratify the CTBT and bring it closer to its entry into force.

The meeting between Minister Gakosso and Dr. Floyd was a significant step towards enhancing the cooperation and partnership between Congo and the CTBTO. It also an opportunity to reaffirm that the CTBT is more relevant than ever in ensuring a safer and more secure world for present and future generations.

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Meeting with the General Secretary of OPEC

Michael — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 08:22:57 +0000

The meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, and the OPEC Secretary General H.E. Haitham Al Ghais on 16.03.2023 was a significant event for both parties. It took place at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna and they discussed the current state and future prospects of the global oil market and the cooperation between OPEC and Congo.

H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso is a veteran diplomat and politician who has been serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo since 2015. He is also a published author and a former lecturer at the Marien Ngouabi University on journalism. He has been actively involved in promoting regional integration and peace in Africa, as well as strengthening Congo’s relations with various countries and organizations.

H.E. Haitham Al Ghais is a respected oil technocrat and well-known OPEC figure who took office as the Secretary General of OPEC on 1 August 2022. He has 30 years of experience in the global oil industry, having worked in various positions at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) in Kuwait, Beijing, and London. He was also a leading member of Kuwait’s delegation to the meetings of OPEC, and the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) between OPEC Member Countries and non-OPEC oil-producing countries.

During the gathering, the two officials exchanged views on the latest developments and challenges in the oil market, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on demand and supply. They also discussed the role and contribution of OPEC and its partners in ensuring stability and sustainability in the market, as well as enhancing energy security and access for all.

H.E. Gakosso expressed his appreciation for OPEC’s efforts and achievements in balancing the market and supporting the recovery of the global economy. He also reaffirmed Congo’s commitment to adhere to its production adjustments under the DoC framework, which Congo joined in 2018 as its 15th member country. He highlighted the importance of cooperation and dialogue among oil-producing countries to address common challenges and opportunities.

H.E. Al Ghais welcomed H.E. Gakosso’s visit and praised Congo’s performance and compliance with the DoC decisions. He also commended Congo’s progress and potential in developing its oil sector and diversifying its economy. He reiterated OPEC’s support for Congo’s aspirations and initiatives, as well as its readiness to share its expertise and best practices with Congo.

The meeting concluded with a mutual expression of satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations between OPEC and Congo, as well as a desire to further strengthen them in the future. The two officials also agreed to maintain regular contact and consultation on matters of mutual interest.

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Meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria

Michael — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:59:02 +0000

On March 16, 2023, The Republic of Congo Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria in Vienna, at 15:30. There he met his counterpart from the Republic of Austria, H.E. Mr. Alexander Schallenberg. It was the first official visit by a Congolese foreign minister to Austria since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1960.

During their meeting, the two ministers reviewed the various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of common interest. They expressed their common desire to strengthen political dialogue and to develop economic, cultural, and scientific exchanges between Congo and Austria.

The two ministers also discussed challenges related to peace and security in Central Africa, including the situation in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Great Lakes region. They hailed the mediation efforts of Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, who holds the current chairmanship of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya.

Other topics addressed were global issues such as climate change, the fight against terrorism, the promotion of human rights, and multilateralism. They reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their support for initiatives aimed at reforming the Security Council to make it more representative and more effective.

At the end of their meeting, the two ministers signed a framework cooperation agreement between Congo and Austria, which aims to facilitate the implementation of joint projects in various fields such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and even culture. They also agreed to intensify contacts between parliamentary institutions, the business community, and civil society actors of the two countries.

Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso expressed his satisfaction with the success of his visit, which opened a new page in relations between Congo and Austria. He invited his counterpart Alexander Schallenberg to pay a return visit to Congo as soon as possible.

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