GECF Ministerial Meeting

This gathering of high-level governmental energy representatives is the supreme authority of the Forum. The Ministerial Meeting formulates the general policy of the Forum and determines the best methods and means of implementation; appoint the Secretary General, the Chairman and Alternate Chairman of the Executive Board; decides on GECF membership applications, and approves the Programme of Work and Budget of the Forum.

1st Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum

19 May 2001 Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

The origins of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) can be traced to the First Meeting of Ministers held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, on May 19-20, 2001. This 1st Ministerial Meeting was convened by the Minister of Petroleum of Iran and was attended by the governments of Algeria, Brunei, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan and Norway (Observer).

During this 1st Ministerial Meeting, it was agreed that the aims of the Forum will be to foster the concept of mutuality of interests by favoring dialogue among producers, between producers and consumers as well as between governments and energy-related industries; to provide a platform for research and exchange of views, and to promote a stable and transparent energy market. These and other goals were outlined in a document prepared by the GECF Expert Meeting and approved by the Ministers as a mandate of the GECF.

The 25th GECF Ministerial Meeting

10 October 2023 Malabo , Equatorial Guinea

The 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) was held on 10 October 2023 in Malabo, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. His Excellency Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, chaired the meeting in his capacity as President of the GECF Ministerial Meeting for 2023.

The Ministerial Meeting emphasised the GECF’s steadfast objective of supporting the permanent sovereignty of its member countries over their natural resources, with the view to independently and sustainably plan, develop, manage, utilise, and conserve their natural gas resources for the benefit of their citizens.

The GECF member countries have a prominent role in the energy landscape, collectively representing 70% of global natural gas reserves and 42% of marketed natural gas.

Celebrating its silver jubilee, the Meeting was attended by energy ministers and senior officials from member countries Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE, and Venezuela. Additionally, representatives from observer countries Angola, Azerbaijan, and Mozambique participated. Notably, dignitaries from guest country Mauritania, as well as representatives from the intergovernmental organisation APPO, were also present at the opening session.

The Ministers and Heads of Delegation voiced their appreciation for His Excellency Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. They also extended their sincere gratitude to HE Antonio Oburu Ondo for leading and navigating the GECF under Equatorial Guinea’s Presidency, and finally for the Government and the people of Equatorial Guinea for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements.

More… www.gecf.org