Equatorial Guinean Minister for Mines and Hydrocarbons, H.E Gabriel M. Obiang Lima, has criticised organisers of Africa Oil Week for deciding to host the continent’s flagship oil and gas event in Dubai instead of its usual location, South Africa.
Obiang Lima, who expressed disappointment in the organisers, was quick to state that his country is not going to participate in the event.
According to him, he would send a letter to all IOCs and service companies operating in Equatorial Guinea, strongly encouraging them not to attend the Africa Oil Week in Dubai.
He urged his fellow ministers and other industry stakeholders to cancel their participation in the Dubai initiative.
Obiang Lima stated his country’s stance at a meeting in Malabo, the nation’s capital, where he said: “This is not the time to abandon Cape Town, South Africa and Africa.”
In addition to this, the Minister looked forward to seeing Gwede Mantashe, Minister for Mineral Resources in Cape Town, to further promote the African energy agenda through development and deal-making participation.
According to H.E Gabriel Obiang, Duncan Clarke’s vision and love for Africa and its oil industry should not be forgotten.
He credited Duncan Clarke for helping so many countries showcase their resources and attract investments, and urged the African Energy Chamber to continue that legacy as it is more critical now than ever.
Minister Gabriel would engage in an aggressive investment drive over the next six months and would be in Cape Town, Houston, Doha and other cities to promote investment opportunities in Equatorial Guinea.
He pledged to work with other ministers from the CEMAC region and the African Energy Chamber on finding solutions concerning the Central Bank’s (BEAC) new currency regulations.
According to him, IOCs and Independents have to be welcomed in the region and “we must create an enabling environment.”
The African Energy Chamber thanked the Minister for his strong support for South Africa and Africa.
“Many Africans got into oil and gas because of Duncan Clarke. He opened doors for so many. That legacy must be respected and preserved,” stated Leoncio Amada Nze, President of the African Energy Chamber, CEMAC Region
“When you’re dealing with an issue like this, you don’t need everyone. You just need to be effective and we thank Minister Gabriel Obiang for his effective advocacy for Africa in times of crisis,” added Mr. Amada Nze.
“Our work to support the African oil and gas sector will lead to a lot of changes on how Africa is viewed and how we respect this continent and its people. We must be patient, whatever temporary inconvenience there may be, in the long run, it will be better for everybody,” concluded Mr. Amada Nze.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
