Sudan’s Kordofan oil fields to be operational next August: minister

KHARTOUM, Dec 23, 2004 (SUNA) — Minister of Energy and Mining Awad Ahmed Al-Jaz has declared that completion of work in the oil fields No. (3) and No. (7), West Kordofan State, which is due in August 2005, would contribute to increasing the country’s oil production to 500,000 barrels per day.

In a press conference he held at the External Information Office here Wednesday, following his participation in the OPEC meetings, and after his visit to China, Al-Jaz said he participated in OPEC meetings as observer.

He added that OPEC members have praised the rapid development of petroleum industry in Sudan, particularly in fields of exploration and infrastructures.

As for his visit to China, Al-Jaz said he handed a message from the President of the Republic, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir, to his Chinese counterpart, dealing with the strong bilateral relations.

He added that he met with a number of Chinese leaders and acquainted them with the peace arrangements in Sudan; and discussed bilateral ties.

He, further, said he reviewed with the Chinese company investing in Sudan means of expanding the capacity of Khartoum Oil Refinery to 100,000 barrels a day.