Bangladesh and Algeria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on hydrocarbon cooperation, paving the way for potential imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement.
The agreement was signed by Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, and Algeria’s Minister for Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab.
The two countries also discussed expanding cooperation in energy infrastructure, hydrocarbon exploration and technical training as Bangladesh seeks to diversify its energy supplies and strengthen energy security.
Under the proposed cooperation, the countries will explore opportunities to import LNG, LPG and other petroleum products from Algeria through government-to-government arrangements. Discussions also covered the development of LNG and LPG infrastructure and the exploration of oil, gas and coal resources in Bangladesh.
Mahmood asked Algeria to arrange training programmes for Bangladeshi engineers and technicians to help them acquire technical expertise and learn from Algeria’s experience in the energy sector.
Welcoming the signing of the MoU, the Bangladeshi minister said the engagement had opened new opportunities to strengthen the country’s energy security and source LNG, LPG and other petroleum products from alternative suppliers in Africa through government-to-government arrangements.
The agreement comes as Bangladesh seeks to diversify its sources of imported energy and secure supplies to meet domestic demand.
Najmul Huda, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Algeria, was also present during the engagement.
In a separate series of meetings on 20 October, Mahmood held talks with Mourad Hanafi, Algeria’s Minister for Mines and Mining Industries, and Mourad Adjal, Minister for Energy and Renewable Energy.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, fertiliser and knowledge sharing for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Arkab received Mahmood at the VIP Presidential Lounge of Houari Boumediene International Airport on 19 October, marking the start of the Bangladeshi minister’s engagement with Algerian counterparts.