Sudan, Russia discuss energy cooperation

October 8, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan and Russia have agreed to boost cooperation in petroleum and gas sectors and to help introduce modern technology for oil production in Sudan.

The Sudanese oil minister Awad Ahmed al-Jazz met with his Russian counterpart Alexander Novac, in Moscow on Monday and discussed with him the importance of increasing the Russian investments in Sudan’s oil industry in order to achieve strategic objectives and meet the growing demand for energy.

According to the government-sponsored Sudanese Media Center (SMC) website, al-Jazz welcomed Russian investments in Sudan, stressing the strength of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

He set forth Sudan’s oil industry capabilities including infrastructure, extending an invitation for his Russian counterpart to visit Sudan.

Novac, for his part, asserted that scientific studies proved existence of oil and gas reserves in Sudan which could lead to an economic partnership to achieve mutual benefits using the Russian technological expertise.

He expressed his country’s interest in investing in oil and gas exploration and production in Sudan, saying that it is high time for engaging in true partnership with Sudan in the energy sector.

In a related issue, Russia underscored that it has determined oil blocs for partnership with Sudan following the studies which were conducted during the recent visit of its technical team to the East African nation.

Sudan lost 75% of its oil reserves after the southern part of the country became an independent nation in July 2011.

Foreign activity in Sudan’s oil industry has come mainly from Asian investment, while Western oil companies have been reluctant to work in the country due to U.S. sanctions and higher risks associated with the country’s instability.

China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) CNPET.UL, Malaysia’s Petronas PETR.UL and India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) are among the foreign oil firms in Sudan.

(ST)