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.
