By Teddy Nwanunobi
For the first time in history, the duo of the Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), HE Mohammad Barkindo, and the Minister of Economy and Petroleum of Venezuela, HE Tareck El Aissami, have met in person, as Aissami welcomed Barkindo on Wednesday.
Valuechain reports that the meeting was Barkindo’s 5th visit to Venezuela, since 2016.
Barkindo, who traveled to Venezuela on Tuesday, as part of an official visit, will hold meetings with high-level authorities.
For the first time in history, the duo of the Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), HE Mohammad Barkindo, and the Minister of Economy and Petroleum of Venezuela, HE Tareck El Aissami, have met in person, as Aissami welcomed Barkindo on Wednesday.
Valuechain reports that the meeting was Barkindo’s 5th visit to Venezuela, since 2016.
Barkindo, who traveled to Venezuela on Tuesday, as part of an official visit, will hold meetings with high-level authorities.
“As a matter of fact, Venezuela has played a leading role as a founding member, and has always acted in strict adherence to the OPEC principles”
On arrival, Barkindo was received by Foreign Affairs Minister, Felix Plasencia.
Barkindo’s visit is also a celebration of the 61st Anniversary of the Organisation in Venezuela, the home of Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonzo.
During the meeting with Aissami, both authorities discussed the successful implementation of the Declaration of Cooperation (DOC) towards restoring balance in the market, as well as contribute to the overall global recovery.
They also noted that this has been the most complex oil cycle ever recorded.
Barkindo and Aissami made reference to the impact of COVID-19 on the global energy markets.
The OPEC boss expressed his appreciation for the personal efforts deployed by Aissami and Venezuela to allow him to celebrate OPEC’s landmark occasion – 61st Anniversary.
In an article entitled ‘Venezuela has played a crucial role in OPEC’s history’, Barkindo had recognised the decisive role Venezuela played in the successes achieved by the oil cartel throughout its more than six-decade history.
He also cited the 2000 Summit of Heads of State and Government of OPEC countries held in Caracas as one of the most important events in the history of this international organisation.
“International Democracy Day: Venezuela is an example of popular participation.
“As a matter of fact, Venezuela has played a leading role as a founding member, and has always acted in strict adherence to the OPEC principles,” the tweet read in part.
Barkindo also announced that he will carry out a work plan focused on strengthening the global market.
“On behalf of the entire OPEC family, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Venezuelan government and people, who have done so much to make OPEC the distinguished organisation it is today,” he added.
Valuechain reports that OPEC was founded in 1960 (September 10 to 14), at a Baghdad conference in Iraq.
OPEC’s establishment was sequel to the signing of an agreement by five countries, namely: Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
The five countries were to become the founder members of the Organisation.
OPEC coordinates and unifies the oil policies of its member countries, and ensures the stabilisation of the world’s oil markets.