Doha, 11 Sept. 2023

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) marked a significant step towards its flagship event, the 7^thSummit of Heads of State and Government, by convening the 4th High-Level Ad-Hoc Working Group (HLAHWG) meeting today at the GECF Secretariat. This gathering sets the stage for the Summit, scheduled to take place on 2 March 2024 in Algiers, Algeria, with associated events commencing on 29 February.

The HLAHWG, comprising representatives from GECF member countries, including Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE, and Venezuela, oversees the preparations for the upcoming edition of this biennial gathering.

During the session, the Algerian delegation presented comprehensive updates on the ongoing preparations, as well as insights into the Summit's draft agenda and draft declaration.

The GECF Summit represents a pivotal moment for member countries and the global energy community. It serves as a platform for fostering international cooperation, addressing critical energy challenges, and shaping the future of the gas industry.

Secretary General, GECF Eng. Mohamed Hamel said on this occasion that 'As the countdown begins to the 7^thSummit of Heads of State and Government, the GECF looks forward to welcoming leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the world to Algiers, where strategic dialogues and collaborative efforts will chart the course for a sustainable, secure, and prosperous energy future'.

Eng. Mohamed Hamel from the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria assumed office as the fourth Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the global platform of leading gas exporting countries.

He was appointed to the helm of the 18-country energy organisation at the 23rd GECF Ministerial Meeting, presided by the Plurinational State of Bolivia on 16 November 2021 for a period of two years commencing 1 January 2022, in accordance with the GECF Statute.

An engineer by profession, Eng. Mohamed Hamel is a familiar face in the energy sphere and brings a long and distinguished career to advance the GECF at a time when natural gas was emerging as a frontrunner to shape a stable, secure, and clean global energy landscape for the future.