Member Corner
H.E. Dr Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of Gastech 2026 with representatives of regional and international institutions and industry organisations, focusing on strengthening cooperation in natural gas, energy security and emissions.
Dr Mshelbila met with H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, to discuss the role of natural gas in ASEAN, prospects for closer GECF-ASEAN cooperation and opportunities for enhanced engagement between GECF Member Countries and ASEAN countries.
The Secretary General also met with Mr NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, Dr Mshelbila discussed opportunities to further deepen GECF engagement and cooperation with African countries.
In his meeting with Mr Zubin Bamji, Manager of the World Bank Group’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership, they exchanged views on methane emissions reduction, including technological and financial considerations and the importance of a coordinated global approach.
Discussions with H.E. Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA, focused on strengthening the GECF-ERIA partnership, building on the institutions’ existing cooperation, including their 2024 MoU and joint workshops.
The meetings reaffirmed the GECF’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing practical cooperation in support of secure, affordable and sustainable energy development.