Oman enters GECF
DOHA. Nov 14 (Interfax) - A decision on the accession of Oman into the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) was made at the GECF ministerial meeting held in Doha on Sunday, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko told reporters.
"Today a decision has been made on Oman's accession to this organization. Applications from some other countries are now being considered," Shmatko said.
"Many colleagues have spoken for the expansion of the powers and areas of activity of the forum, including new technologies and deeper analytical and expert work," he said.
Shmatko added that more and more countries are willing to enter the forum. "The forum is becoming an effective platform for the discussion of various issues related to gas market development," the minister said.
GECF comprises countries that lead in the production of natural gas and is often called "the gas OPEC," although not all its participants want the creation of a cartel.
The forum was founded in Tehran in 2011 and was legally established in Moscow in 2008. The forum comprises Algeria, Bolivia, Venezuela, Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Libya, Nigeria, Russia, Equatorial Guinea, Trinidad, and Tobago.
The Netherlands, Norway, and Kazakhstan have observer status in it.
