The Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, last week, reiterated the availability of Angola to work with private and public entities in the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo on the hydrocarbon sector.
The Minister disclosed this at a meeting to analyse the state of relations in the hydrocarbon sectors of both neighbouring countries on Thursday, 3rd December 2020. The meeting is to foster a better working relationship for the safe marketing of petroleum products between both countries, to minimise fraud and combat smuggling.
The representatives of DRC were led by the Minister of State and Hydrocarbons, Rubens Mikindo, and the Angolan delegates were led by the Minister for Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas. Both Heads encouraged their national oil companies of Angola and DRC, Sonangol and Sondahydro, respectively, to continue their discussions and come up with valid proposals.
The Angolan Minister said the meeting is a sign that both countries are committed and dedicated to a common goal, although there are existing issues concerning the oil exploration of deep waters in the Lower Congo Basin.
The meeting also addressed the problem of the reciprocal use of the countries’ territorial waters through the study of the hydrocarbon potential of the Common Interest Zone (ZIC) and its economic viability to both countries.
A joint commission for the technical monitoring of the project was also discussed, alongside the steps for the implementation of the ZIC. Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, both countries have taken safe and effective measure in their hydrocarbon cooperation, regardless of the issues surrounding the common oil exploitation of water in the lower Congo basin.
