July 8, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has joined the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA) last Monday becoming the 15th member in this organization of regional cooperation between oil producers.

African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA)

APPA was formed on January 27, 1987 in Lagos to promote cooperation among member countries in the diverse fields of hydrocarbons such as exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, marketing and human resources.

In presence of the presence of Mr. Rilwanu Lukman the Nigerian minister of petroleum resources, Sudanese minister of energy and mining, Al-Zubair Ahmed Al-Hassan signed the statue of the APPA in a ceremony organized at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Towers in Abuja.

Sudan was admitted into APPA during the 26th Ordinary Session led in Brazzavile, Republic of Congo on March 28, 2009.

Speaking at the event the Nigerian minister welcomed Sudan’s admission into the association. He further said "I consider the membership of our long-time desire to foster stronger economic, social and political relationship between us."

Mr. Lukman said Nigeria has acquired tremendous experience in the exploration and management of its hydrocarbon resources, which it is prepared to share with Sudan to enable it benefit optimally from its endowed resources.

Minister Al-Hassan lauded the historical relations between the two nations and thanked Nigeria for its efforts to bring peace in Darfur. He also expressed Sudan’s commitment to the Association.

In May 2006 Nigerian in its capacity as Chairman of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) invited Sudan to join the oil cartel. But Khartoum declined the offer preferring to remain an observer as it is the case since 2004.

(ST)