KUWAIT: Over the past 57 years, the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), formerly known as OAPEC, has played a central role in fostering energy cooperation among Arab nations, making it a cornerstone of the broader Arab joint action. The organization was founded on January 9, 1968, as the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), following an agreement signed in Beirut between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Libya. The agreement aimed to establish a specialized regional body with an international focus, with Kuwait chosen as the host country for the organization’s headquarters.

Since its inception, the organization’s membership has expanded. In 1970, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Algeria became members, followed by Syria and Iraq in 1972, Egypt in 1973, and Tunisia in 1982, though Tunisia’s membership was suspended in 1986. On the occasion of the 57th anniversary, the Secretary-General of the organization, Jamal Al-Loughani, shared insights with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), emphasizing that the primary objective of the organization is to foster collaboration among its members across all sectors of the petroleum industry. This collaboration aims to solidify strong relationships between member states to safeguard their shared interests in the oil sector, both individually and collectively.

Al-Loughani further highlighted the organization’s efforts to unify strategies to ensure fair access to global oil markets while creating favorable conditions for the petroleum industry within member states. In addition, the organization has focused on cooperation between member countries to achieve common economic goals. Over the decades, this effort has been realized through the establishment of several joint ventures, with Arab-owned companies playing a key role in enhancing the region’s oil industry.

In response to the global shift toward renewable energy, growing environmental regulations, and rising concerns over climate change, the organization took a significant step in December 2022. It issued Decision No 9/109, which called for a review of the organization’s objectives, activities, and even its name to better align with the evolving energy landscape.

Al-Loughani explained that this decision was intended to help the organization keep pace with technological advancements in energy production, the tightening of environmental legislation, and the changing global energy market. It also aimed to empower member states to take on a more prominent role in the energy sector’s rapidly shifting dynamics. After two years of hard work, during the 113th Ministerial Meeting held in Kuwait on December 15, 2024, member states signed a historic agreement to restructure the organization, revise its founding agreement, and rename it the Arab Energy Organization (AEO). This decision marked the first phase of an ambitious development plan to modernize the organization’s operations.

The restructuring, which was proposed by Saudi Arabia, came after a thorough evaluation of the challenges and developments facing the energy sector at national, regional, and global levels. Al-Loughani emphasized that this decision will enhance the organization’s role as a driving force for cooperation and exchange of expertise in the energy sector. It will also allow the organization to address the many challenges facing this vital industry while supporting the development of national capabilities within its member states.

The Secretary-General expressed confidence that the General Secretariat is committed to completing all elements of the development plan swiftly, and he expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from member countries. This support has been crucial in enabling the organization to carry out its mission, with significant backing from the energy and oil ministers, as well as the executive office members.

In conclusion, Al-Loughani noted that Kuwait, which has hosted the organization since its founding, continues to contribute to the advancement of Arab cooperation. He described the decision to restructure and rename the organization as a historic and unprecedented move, emphasizing that it is a moment that will remain etched in the history of the Arab Energy Organization. — KUNA