Russia, Algeria talk energy, mum on gas OPEC

MOSCOW, Feb 19 (Reuters) – Energy was high on the agenda of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Algerian leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Tuesday, but both men avoided mentioning the sensitive issue of an OPEC-style gas cartel.

“Algeria is the world’s fourth gas exporter, Russia is also a major exporter,” Putin told Bouteflika after a welcome hug ahead of the Kremlin talks.


“It is very important for us to be in contact on energy issues, especially now that Algeria is heading the OPEC.”

Bouteflika flew to Moscow for the two-day visit with a group of ministers including current OPEC president Chakib Khelil, also Algeria’s minister of energy and mines.

A growing warmth in ties between Algeria and Russia in the past few years has fuelled market and media speculation that the creation of an OPEC-style gas charter is in the pipeline.

Reuters