Algiers, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria | 21–22 June 2026 - H.E. Dr Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), concluded a working visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, during which he held high-level meetings with H.E. Sifi Ghrieb, the Prime Minister; H.E. Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons; and Mr Nour Eddine Daoudi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SONATRACH.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister, the Secretary General expressed appreciation for Algeria’s longstanding commitment to the GECF as a founding Member Country and for its continued support for the Forum’s objectives. The discussions focused on recent developments in the energy sector and the strategic role of natural gas in strengthening global energy security and supporting energy transitions. The meeting also addressed ongoing efforts to expand the GECF’s membership.
During his meeting with H.E. Minister Arkab and in the presence of the President of ALNAFT (National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources), as well as the President of ARH (Algerian Hydrocarbon Regulatory Authority), views were exchanged on developments in global natural gas markets and the importance of continued coordination among GECF Member Countries. The discussions also covered evolving regulatory developments affecting the natural gas industry and stressed the need for Member Countries to strengthen consultations and develop common GECF positions on key regulatory matters of shared interest. Particular attention was given to accelerating the operationalisation of the GECF Gas Research Institute, headquartered in Algiers. The discussions also highlighted the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline as a unique and strategically important example of cooperation among GECF Member Countries, with significant potential to enhance regional integration, support sustainable development and strengthen energy security.
The Secretary General also met with Mr Nour Eddine Daoudi, Chairman and CEO of SONATRACH. The meeting highlighted SONATRACH’s extensive expertise across the natural gas and LNG value chains and its potential contribution to the activities of the GECF and the Gas Research Institute. H.E. Dr Mshelbila expressed his gratitude to SONATRACH for its continued support for the Gas Research Institute across various areas and reaffirmed the importance of sustaining this cooperation.
As a significant highlight of the working visit, H.E. Dr Philip Mshelbila visited the Supervision and Monitoring Centre of SONATRACH’s Pipeline Transport Activity (TRC), located at the TRC headquarters in Sidi Arcine, Baraki (Algiers). This high-tech facility monitors Algeria’s hydrocarbon pipeline network in real time, optimising flow management, boosting energy security and enabling rapid responses to potential leaks or damage. The visit offered the Secretary General valuable insight into the technological systems and operational capabilities that underpin the secure, reliable and efficient transportation of the country’s energy resources.
The Secretary General also visited the National Electricity System Control Centre of SONELGAZ (National Electricity and Gas Company). During the visit, he received an overview of the operation and management of Algeria’s national electricity system and the measures deployed to maintain the security, stability and reliability of the electricity grid.
H.E. Dr Mshelbila thanked the Algerian authorities for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed the GECF’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Algeria, promoting closer coordination among its Member Countries and advancing common positions in support of their shared interests and the stability of global gas markets.