World Petroleum Congress opens

South African President Thabo Mbeki Sunday night joined some 4,000 oil giant executives and senior government officials at the World Petroleum Congress which opened in Africa for the first time in its 72 years history.

Addressing delegates from 62 member countries, President Mbeki called for the stabilization of world oil market, noting that the poor countries and the poor people suffer twice than the rich countries and rich people on the earth.