[ecr] 

“We agreed to set a precise schedule for the development of this field in order to accelerate the phase of effective production,” Arkab said following his meeting with the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum at the ministry’s headquarters.

Supervised by Sonatrach, “this important field is recording very encouraging results,” as the project is transitioning to the second phase, namely “the finalization of exploration to begin the exploitation phase,” added the minister.

“The two parties also agreed to provide all necessary facilitations for the execution of the aforementioned project and the achievement of the expected goals, said Arkab.

The Nigerien Minister of Petroleum began a working visit to Algeria on Saturday, as part of examining ways and means to strengthen bilateral cooperation relations in energy, particularly hydrocarbons.

This visit follows the one made by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, to Niger last August. [/ecr]