The Republic of Congo became, on Friday, June 22, the 15th member country of the Organization of Petroleum Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) which gave its green light at the 174th Ministerial Conference held in Vienna, Austria.
It becomes the 7th African country to join the cartel, after Libya, Gabon, Algeria, Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Although his diplomacy highlights a spirit of solidarity, we do not hide the benefits in the line of fire.
“We know that there is a fund within OPEC to develop important projects in member countries, even beyond member countries. The Opep Fund allows, for example, to develop projects in the field of agriculture, this very important sector, “commented Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Congolese Abroad.
A major producer and exporter of oil – production is 300,000 barrels a day this year according to official estimates of 11 January 2018 in Brazzaville – Congo will now be able, at least officially, to participate in the negotiations of the prices and quota of the black gold internationally. This membership “now gives the Republic of Congo a voice in a powerful organization committed to balancing the global economy and maintaining a stable and reliable supply of oil consumers” said, for his part, Jean-Marc Thystère -Tchicaya, the Minister of Hydrocarbons.
Last January, the country officially announced its intention to join the Organization. “This desire for the imminent accession of the Congo to OPEC reflects the desire of President Sassou, to place his country among the world leaders, bringing proposals in international negotiations,” Brazzaville said in a statement.
