The SG of APPO, at the head of a delegation from the Secretariat, took part, on Wednesday, February 25, in the events commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the NOCof Angola, Sonangol. On the sidelines of this ceremony, he met with important hydrocarbon officials in Angola.
The fiftieth anniversary of the creation of Sonangol was celebrated on Wednesday, February 25 at the Galerias Isabel Fançony in Luanda. It was in the presence of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, as well as senior officials of Sonangol, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Sonangol, Mr. Sebastião Gaspar Martins, the members of the Board of Directors of the Company as well as the Directors. Officials from the main oil companies operating in the country were also represented. Created in 1976 by Decree-Law No. 52/76 of 9 June, the National Oil Company of Angola (Sonangol) is a public company dedicated to the exploration, research, production, transport, refining, storage, distribution and processing of petroleum and other hydrocarbons, their derivatives and residues, as well as related equipment, petrochemical and related industries and their marketing. The same decree stipulates that Sonangol is responsible for managing, in its own name, the assets held by the Angolan State, in accordance with the standards applicable to commercial enterprises. Sonangol operates in the market under rigorous performance standards, to ensure optimal efficiency, competitiveness and profitability, with the constant aim of creating value for its shareholders. This 50th Anniversary marks a major step in the evolution of this NOC, a member of the APPO Forum federating the CEOs of NOCs.
Sidelines visits
On the sidelines of the celebrations of Sonangol’s 50th anniversary, the Secretary General of APPO, H.E. Farid Ghezali, and his delegation met in Luanda, with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Sonangol, Mr. Sebastião Gaspar Martins, as well as five members of the Board of Directors of Sonangol. H.E. Ghezali briefed the SONANGOL leadership on key APPO priorities including: final steps toward the launch of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB); restructuring of the APPO Secretariat as directed by the Ministerial Council; stronger cooperation with IEOs; increased efficiency and visibility; harmonisation of petroleum regimes to optimise Member Countries’ revenues; active cooperation among APPO NOCs; and APPO’s position for a just and inclusive energy transition. Mr Sebastião Gaspar Martins expressed willingness for Sonangol to take an active part in AEB and pledged to increase Sonangol’s subscription to the Bank. The delegation led by the Secretary General of APPO, His Excellency Farid Ghezali also paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum of Angola, H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo in Luanda. The SG was received by His Excellency José Barroso, Secretary of State for Petroleum, to whom he gave important information on the current priorities of the Organisation. He also commended the esteemed Member Country, the Republic of Angola for its constant support and contributions to the success of the organization and the continent.