Algeria and Tunisia sign cooperation agreements in the field of energy

Algeria and Tunisia was held Thursday at the
meeting of the Joint Commission for cooperation in the energy sector on a
number of cooperation agreements, including gas, electricity and solar energy.
According to the agreements increase the capacity of the electricity link
between the two countries, 400 kV, from 2010, compared to 220 kV, and to
develop natural gas distribution in cities and villages, the border Tunisia. It
also includes an agreement on exchange of experiences in controlling the use
and development of renewable energy, particularly solar and cooperation
agreement between Sonatrach, Algeria and the Tunisian d ‘oil "Aitape"
about lifting the share of Tunisia for the exporter of natural gas to Italy
through a pipeline Transmid approximately 6 to 7 billion cubic meters each year
therefore next year, in addition to enhancing the work of exploration and joint
production of fuels, whether in Algeria or Tunisia. The signing took place in
the presence of Minister of Energy and Mines, Chakib Khalil, Algerian Minister
of Industry, Energy and SMEs Tunisian Afif Shalabi. The two sides signed
earlier today on the sidelines of the Committee of the Convention provides for
the lifting of the quantity of liquefied natural gas to Tunisia 300 thousand
tonnes per year instead of 150 thousand tons. Chakib Khelil said after the
signing that the agreement "will fill the needs of each of Tunisia in natural gas, even in difficult
conditions, because it would allow the export of gas to Europe from Tunisia."
Khalilzad said that his country wanted "the creation of the Maghreb electricity market, the objective of sharing
power between the countries of the region at minimum cost." For his part,
Chalabi said, "Energy cooperation between Algeria
and Tunisia
has become more clear and support the competitiveness of both countries for all
groups, because it would give an impulse and an excellent cooperation in the
interest of both sides a win-win ".