Member Corner
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) convened its 51st Executive Board Meeting on 2–3 July 2025 at the Forum’s Headquarters in Doha, Qatar. The meeting brought together high-level representatives from GECF Member Countries—Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela—alongside Observer Countries Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Senegal. At the opening session, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the GECF, warmly congratulated Mr. Khalid Jerbi, the distinguished Executive Board Member from Libya, on his designation as Chairperson of the GECF Executive Board. He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella of Nigeria, for his dedicated leadership and extended his best wishes for continued success in his future endeavours. The Secretary General extended congratulations to Mauritania and Senegal on their historic achievement of becoming LNG-exporting nations, following the launch of shipments from the 2.5 Mtpa Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) floating LNG facility in April 2025. The Secretary General presented the Management Report of the Secretariat. The Executive Board expressed its praise for the high quality of the Secretariat’s deliverables, increased visibility and outreach, continued promotion of dialogue on natural gas, and for its prudent financial management. The meeting key discussions centered on the Programme of Work for 2026. The Executive Board reviewed preparations for a series of major upcoming events, notably the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to take place on 23 October 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The Board praised the host country, the State of Qatar, for its early planning and thorough organizational efforts. Members were also apprised of the forthcoming Libya–Africa International Gas Forum 2025, underscoring its importance in fostering regional cooperation. Looking ahead, the Executive Board reaffirmed its strong commitment to the success of the 8th GECF Summit, to be hosted by the Russian Federation in October 2026. The 51st Executive Board Meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum’s dedication to promoting natural gas for energy security and sustainable development.