H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with Dr. Sherif Sedky, Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Space Agency, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation within the framework of the constructive Egyptian-Chinese partnership. This partnership led to the establishment of the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing Center at the Egyptian Space Agency and the successful launch of the EgyptSat-2 satellite for remote sensing applications from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China last December.

The meeting also explored the potential collaboration between the agency and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation in providing analytical systems and artificial intelligence technologies. These advancements are expected to support Egypt’s planning system, particularly in monitoring the implementation of investment plan projects.

Al-Mashat welcomed Dr. Sherif Sedky, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening relationships between the Egyptian Space Agency and international partners, aiming to enhance the country’s research capabilities, remote sensing technologies, and support the Egyptian space program, thus reinforcing Egypt’s leading position in the satellite field.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the significance of the results achieved through the Egyptian-Chinese partnership, which has bolstered the Egyptian Space Agency’s efforts by establishing the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing Center and launching the EgyptSat-2 satellite. Al-Mashat emphasized that these developments are crucial for improving the utilization of state resources and supporting Egypt’s planning system.

Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, reviewed the key outcomes and tasks carried out by the agency, particularly those related to the production of satellite imagery from the EgyptSat-2 satellite. He underscored the importance of continued cooperation with China and expanding its scope to launch more satellites that serve Egypt’s vision. He also highlighted the need to enhance collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation to leverage these advanced technologies in supporting Egypt’s planning system.

It is noteworthy that Egypt and China enjoy a long-standing historical relationship, with both countries being among the most ancient and significant civilizations in the world. This historical foundation has supported the exceptional relations between the two countries over the decades. Previously, agreements were signed between the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Chinese side, resulting in grants totaling approximately $92 million for the implementation of the EgyptSat-2 satellite project and the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing Center.

While Egyptian-Chinese developmental cooperation began in the 1990s, it has seen significant advancements since 2014, following H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to the People’s Republic of China and the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with the Chinese side.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning and Economic Development – Egypt.

On 31 July 2024, Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs, hosted a luncheon for and a discussion with the resident and non-resident African Ambassadors to Thailand and Chargé d’affaires from 14 African countries including Kenya, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco,Uganda, Botswana, Mozambique, Ghana, Angola, Eritrea, Zimbabwe and Senegal.

On this occasion, the Director-General exchanged views with the African Ambassadors and Chargé d’affaires on ways to advance and elevate the relations between Thailand and Africa under a new initiative, both in terms of bilateral relations and relations with Africa’s Regional and Sub-regional Organisations. The Director-General also discussed with her African colleagues in preparation for the upcoming “The Colours of Africa 2024” event to be organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the African Embassies and the Thai authorities concerned, as well as private sector investing in Africa, from 9 to 11 September 2024 in Bangkok with an aim to promote awareness of Africa and her potential among the Thai public.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Ms. Elina Valtonen, welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, in Helsinki for a working visit on August, 6th 2024.

The two ministers exchanged views on many topical international and bilateral issues and agreed that the relations between Finland and Morocco are excellent and beneficial for both countries. Ministers also reaffirmed their shared willingness to further strengthen and expand the bilateral relations, on this 65th anniversary of the Finnish-Moroccan diplomatic relations.

Finland highlighted Morocco’s political stability and welcomed the reforms carried out by Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for a more open and dynamic Moroccan society and economy, notably through the new development model and advanced regionalization.

Ministers reaffirmed their strong resolve to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries to reach their full potential and recognized Morocco’s key position as a gateway between Africa and Europe In this context, the parties agreed to expand their annual political consultations to include economic and business interests Ministers agreed also to plan to hold a business seminar in 2025 to encourage cooperation between the economic actors of both countries.

The Ministers identified several key sectors, which would offer mutual benefits for both countries. Digitalization, particularly with regard to cybersecurity and the deployment of secure 5G networks, among other ICT infrastructure and services, was identified as a priority area. Both countries underlined the importance of secure networks for the national security, and as a factor for investment decisions for developing trust based digital economy.

The Ministers recalled the important agreed framework of their bilateral relations including the two Memorandums of Understanding signed between Finland and Morocco in the fields of renewable energy and integrated water resources and welcomed concrete steps for their continued implementation. In the water sector, Finland is well positioned to offer expertise in water related technologies and smart solutions in line with Morocco’s priorities. The two Ministers agreed to encourage experts to look for new potential areas of common interest.

Ministers took note of both countries ambitious renewable energy targets and identified solutions to support the green transition, including through green hydrogen, as a key area for future collaboration. The Ministers also noted healthcare and wellbeing technologies as prominent areas of partnership especially in light of the current health sector reforms in Morocco.

Morocco expressed its appreciation for Finland’s Africa Strategy and the willingness to contribute to the implementation of this strategy at the bilateral level as well as through tripartite cooperation with African countries.

Finland welcomed Morocco’s efforts through various initiatives launched under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to further peace, stability and socio-economic development in Africa, in particular, the “Royal initiative to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean”, as well as the “Atlantic African States Process”.

Both ministers underlined that the EU and Morocco are longstanding strategic partners and that their cooperation is important in jointly addressing global and regional threats and challenges, affecting the security and prosperity of both regions. They also recognized the important role of Morocco in the EU-Africa partnership at large, as well as Morocco’s key role in enhancing regional cooperation and stability in the region, fight against terrorism and cooperation on cross-border migration management.

The two countries are committed to uphold and further deepen their collaboration in multilateral fora such as the UN, especially in the UN Human Rights Council, which Morocco chairs for the year 2024, and of which Finland is a vice-chair. Ministers underlined the importance for both countries to engage in the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular the rights of women and girls and the youth. Both identified these as pivotal sectors for cooperation in the multilateral fora. They also agreed to aim at joint initiatives to promote human rights particularly of women, person with disabilities and youth. Both sides stressed the importance of intensifying their contacts with the aim of further coordinating their positions within regional, multilateral and international institutions.
Both Finland and Morocco affirmed their support for the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for the Western Sahara, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, and his efforts to continue a political process aimed at reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the aims and principles set out in the United Nations Charter. In this context, Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties.
Ministers also exchanged views on other topical matters such as the challenges faced by the Sahel region as well as the security and humanitarian situations in both Sudan and Libya.

Both sides reaffirmed the paramount importance of a rules-based international order and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations. They expressed their condemnation of any violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the use of violence. In this context, the Ministers expressed their grave concern at the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine of 24 February 2022 and the ongoing attacks, particularly on food security, energy, finance, the environment and nuclear security and safety. They renewed their commitment to address these global impacts and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

With regard to the situation in the Middle East, the two Ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to a two-state solution where two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Both ministers expressed their grave concern for the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire as outlined by Security Council resolution 2735, enabling full and unhindered humanitarian access and the release of the hostages and prisoners.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Global projects developers, independent E&P firms and regional investors are expected to enter the Angolan oil and gas market in the coming months as new blocks become available across onshore, offshore and marginal fields. In addition to accelerating exploration, new entrants signal fresh opportunities for collaboration and local contract opportunities.

The Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) conference – returning for its next edition from October 2-3 in Luanda – will feature a strategic track as part of its main conference agenda. The track will examine Angola’s investment outlook, strategies for enhancing local content and the role of women in the oil and gas industry. Stakeholders from both the global and local market stand to gain crucial insight into projects, opportunities in natural gas production and the business environment in Angola.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Angola’s Namibe Basin is one of the final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, representing a significant unexploited hydrocarbon province. While minimal exploration has been conducted to date, seismic studies have shown promising results. Notably, Blocks 41, 42 and 43 in the Kwanza and Namibe basins are covered in their entirety with a 2D seismic dataset, with significant syn- and post-rift potential across the entire basin identified. A panel discussion on Frontier Exploration: Charting New Paths for Investment during AOG 2024 will explore the strategic potential of the basin, with speakers delving into block opportunities and partnership prospects.

In tandem with oil production efforts, Angola is making strides towards attracting investment across the natural gas industry. The country has a target to increase the share of gas to 25% of the energy mix by 2025 and is promoting exploration opportunities, infrastructure development and monetization solutions. Major projects include the Angola LNG plant – which celebrated its 400th cargo in 2023 – and the Quiluma and Maboqueiro development, Angola’s first non-associated gas project. The project will come online by 2026 and will serve as feedstock for the Angola LNG plant. During AOG 2024, a panel discussion on Beyond Oil: Angola’s Rise as a Gas Powerhouse will examine investment opportunities across the gas industry.

Up to $60 billion will be invested in Angola’s oil and gas industry in the next five years. The country’s enabling business environment and market-focused fiscals have played an instrumental part in attracting foreign capital to the market. A six-year licensing round launched in 2019 provides regular access to block opportunities while engagement with IOCs ensures ongoing review of licensing structures and fiscal terms. AOG 2024’s strategic track will feature a session on Perspectives on Investment: The key to Doing Business in Angola. The session will unpack the country’s business climate, including regulatory frameworks, industry procedures and rules of engagement.

As the country’s oil and gas industry grows, so do opportunities for Angolan SMEs and operators. As a mature producer, Angola’s industry success is largely attributed to the competitiveness of its domestic players. The Angolan government is driving local content through the Angolanization initiative, which strengthens national entrepreneurship by granting local service providers preference to oil and gas contracts. The initiative places local content at the forefront of projects by prioritizing the utilization of Angolan products and services. AOG 2024 will further explore this initiative through a panel titled Empowering Angola Talent: Local Content Strategies to Unlock Angola’s Human Capital.

Given the vital role women play in strengthening Angola’s oil and gas industry while driving project forward, the conference will also feature a panel discussion on Sailing into the Future: Women Steering the Ship of Angola’s Oil and Gas Evolution. The session will explore the contributions and future potential of women in the industry, with topics such as leadership, technical expertise and more featured.

AOG 2024 features a multi-track program that offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s oil and gas value chain. To download the program, visit https://apo-opa.co/3SCYLIq. For more information on panel discussions, speakers and topics, visit www.AngolaOilandGas.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.