A draft agreement was signed here today on headquarters, immunities and privileges of the Secretariat General of the International Energy Forum, provided by the Kingdom’s government to the Riyadh-based Secretariat, in accordance with the Cabinet’s decision on 28 July.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, as representative of the Kingdom’s government, and the Forum’s Executive Council President Nawai Van Holst.
The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which is currently in progress.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Naimi said that the draft agreement is an important, vital step towards completing the establishment of the Forum’s Secretariat General in Riyadh, which was proposed by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, during the convention of the 7th International Energy Forum in Riyadh, November 2000.
He noted that the Crown Prince’s proposal was widely welcome, and received a great deal of international support, because its role to promote international cooperation in the energy sector enhances market stability and serves the global economy and global economic growth.
The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources added that the Kingdom’s hosting of the Secretariat’s headquarters reflects the significance of the Kingdom in the international oil industry, and the great confidence of the world community in the Kingdom.
He said that the Secretariat would commence its activities in Riyadh before the end of this year.
The ceremony was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for Petroleum Affairs, and other officials.
Source: SPA
