OPEC at the 14th International Energy Forum in Russia

OPEC joined oil producers and consumers from around the world, as well as other global energy stakeholders, for wide-ranging discussions during the 14th IEF Ministerial Meeting held 15 and 16 May. In his introductory comments, OPEC Secretary General, Abdalla S. El-Badri, said the future will increasingly be one of interdependence. "We do not live in a world of independent energy nations", he reminded participants, which is why we need "to continually enhance dialogue and cooperation". The IEF Ministerial symbolizes such efforts, he said.

The inauguration of the 2014 Ministerial Meeting, this year organized under the theme "Global Energy Security Through Dialogue", included welcoming addresses from the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Arkady Dvorkovich, and the Secretary General of the IEF, Dr. Aldo Flores-Quiroga. A keynote speech given by Dmitry Medvedev, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, also marked the first morning's events.

The dialogue that takes place under the auspices of the IEF is important, Dvorkovich, said, especially with geopolitical events affecting "business processes" and the energy sector. By participating in the IEF Ministerial Meeting, Dr. Flores-Quiroga noted, delegates demonstrate a firm commitment to supporting stability and security despite the many challenges in the global environment. After all, he said, "energy is first and foremost an instrument of peace".

Many officials from OPEC Member Countries were present at the Ministerial Meeting. Statements about the current energy situation and the global energy dialogue were made by Ministers, Governors and Heads of Delegation from Saudi Arabia, IR Iran, Kuwait, Algeria, Angola, Iraq and United Arab Emirates.

The two-day Ministerial Meeting, which is held every two years, aims at fostering dialogue and enhancing communications among and between the world's energy producers and consumers. It is an important event because, as Dr. Flores-Quiroga reminded participants, it provides a "neutral and inclusive platform" for discussing emerging issues facing all energy stakeholders.

The IEF was founded in 1991 with the aim of promoting dialogue among and between oil producers and consumers around the world. It is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The next IEF Ministerial Meeting will be held in Algeria in 2016.