Algerian Energy Minister Says Sonatrach to Invest in Russian Projects

Text of report by state-owned Algerian radio on 19 February

The Algerian minister of energy and mines, Chakib Khelil, who is accompanying President Bouteflika on his visit to Russia, has announced from Moscow that [the state-owned oil and gas company] Sonatrach wishes to launch investment activities in Russia just like the latter has done in Algeria where, he said, Russian companies have made profits of over 500m dollars through deals for the construction of oil and gas pipelines and also the concessions for the exploitation of a number of oil fields.

As regards Algerian-Russian cooperation in the production of electricity with nuclear energy, Chakib Khelil indicated that training remained one of Algeria’s main needs in this area. He added that a Russian delegation was expected in Algiers before the end of March to implement the memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries.

Originally published by Algerian radio, Algiers, in Arabic 1200 19 Feb 08.

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