Qatar is preparing for the launch of its sixth summit for the 11-member Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) on Tuesday at a time when the world is witnessing an escalation in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which threatens Europe’s gas supply.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday in Doha.
The Algerian President was invited by Sheikh Tamim to visit the country, where the leaders reviewed bilateral ties.
Algeria and Qatar signed many memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements on cooperation as part of Tebboune’s state visit.
The first agreement pertains to the establishment of political consultation and coordination among the foreign ministers of the two countries.
The second agreement, on legal and judicial cooperation in criminal matters between the two governments, was signed by the Algerian justice minister and Qatar’s attorney general.
Another agreement in the field of social development and family was also signed.
The two countries also signed the second executive program on higher education and Scientific and technological Research, under the agreement on educational and scientific cooperation between the governments of the two countries for the school years 2022-2025.
Tebboune is set to participate at the GECF summit.
Preparatory meetings for the GECF summit had begun in Doha.
An extraordinary ministerial meeting of the GECF was held with the aim to identify the progress made in preparations for the summit and summarize the main results for consideration by heads of state and government.
Member states include Russia, Qatar, Libya, Algeria and Nigeria -- who together account for more than 70% of proven gas reserves, 44% of gas supplies in the global market and 51% of LNG exports.