Vienna, June 20, 2018 — Hon. Jeff Radebe, Minister of Energy of South Africa, met yesterday with the Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), H.E. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, pledging the Republic of South Africa’s support for OPEC and non-OPEC member states participating in the Declaration of Cooperation. South Africa joined OPEC and non-member states in technical meetings held today at the organization’s headquarters.
“The game-changing Declaration of Cooperation and the incredible adherence to the deal in the last few years has truly set an example for the rest of the world, demonstrating that much more can be accomplished together than apart. Indeed, the deal — which united a total of 24 countries from around the world — showed us all that geographic, ethnic, religious and political differences can’t stop historic deals from impacting the world for the better,” said the minister.
Hon. Jeff Radebe, the newly appointed energy minister for the country, is seeking to collaborate with African countries and nations around in the world as South Africa builds its upstream sector. Though South Africa is not a member of the Declaration of Cooperation and a net oil importer, Radebe highlighted the importance of a stable oil market for both producers and consumers in the meeting.
The Minister said he looked forward to again meet H.E. Barkindo when he receives the Secretary General and other African energy ministers at the Africa Oil & Power conference in Cape Town on September 5, when Barkindo will receive the Africa Oil Man of the Year award.
The Minister was joined in Vienna by Mr. Mojalefa Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the Central Energy Fund.