Türkiye Extends LNG Supply Deal with Algeria Until 2027

Erdogan and the Algerian prime minister during an economic forum on Tuesday. (Turkish presidency) 
Erdogan and the Algerian prime minister during an economic forum on Tuesday. (Turkish presidency) 
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Türkiye Extends LNG Supply Deal with Algeria Until 2027

Erdogan and the Algerian prime minister during an economic forum on Tuesday. (Turkish presidency) 
Erdogan and the Algerian prime minister during an economic forum on Tuesday. (Turkish presidency) 

Türkiye has extended its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deal with Algeria for three years, as the two countries agreed to boost trade to $10 billion.

The Turkish Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, said the current contract has been extended until 2027. It was scheduled to expire in October 2024.

In a statement on X, Bayraktar said that the deal was signed on Tuesday at the second meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council between Türkiye and Algeria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune were present.

The original gas supply agreement between Botas and Sonatrach was signed in 1988 and has since been renewed.

Türkiye will continue to buy 4.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of LNG from Algeria annually, Bayraktar added.

Around 1,400 companies with Turkish partners operating in Algeria provide employment to approximately 5,000 Algerians, Erdogan said at the Algeria-Türkiye Business Forum.

"The market value of our companies' investments has approached $6 billion. With these figures, Türkiye is the country that makes the most investments and provides the most employment in Algeria, excluding oil and natural gas," Erdogan said.

During Erdogan’s visit to Algeria, the two countries signed 12 agreements in various fields.

Both sides projected an increase in bilateral trade to $6 billion by the end of the current year, stressing that they target trade worth $10 billion in the mid-term.

Turkish official figures showed that trade increased by 30% last year.

LNG and crude oil represent 90% of the oil products that Algeria exports to Türkiye.

Erdogan further commended the Algerian efforts to enhance domestic output and its capabilities in the non-hydrocarbon sectors.

"With the efforts we will increase, we hope to reach the target of $10 billion in trade volume that we set with my brother Tebboune in a short time," he said.

The Turkish president underlined that Ankara would continue to provide the necessary facilities for Algerians to increase their investments in Türkiye.

Addressing the Algeria-Türkiye Business Forum, Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui said that his country looks forward to achieving many gains through the enhancement of the business climate, the contribution of Turkish investors to build a fruitful economic partnership with their Algerian counterparts, the embodiment of a diversification-based economy, mutual interests, and the win-win cooperation.

Larbaoui added that both countries’ economies offer opportunities that could help realize the target of $10 billion in trade in the medium term.



Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday 

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
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Third ‘Mirkaz AlBalad AlAmeen Platform’ to Open in Makkah on Sunday 

A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)
A street in the holy city of Makkah is decorated with Ramadan lights. (SPA)

The third edition of the “Mirkaz ABalad AlAmeen”, a leading platform for exchanging opportunities in Makkah, will kick off on Sunday, under the theme “Makkah Inspires the World.”

The platform, organized by the Holy Makkah Municipality, will feature 15 exceptional Ramadan evenings focused on dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector engagement.

Makkah Mayor Musad Aldaood said the platform redefines development from Makkah, where faith meets inspiration and values are transformed into a comprehensive civilizational experience.

He noted that the initiative reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and showcases Makkah to the world as a living model of creativity, leadership, and innovation.

The upcoming edition will host more than 65 speakers, including executive leaders and decision-makers from across all three sectors, alongside futurists, entrepreneurs, and leading voices in culture and inspiration from artists, writers, media professionals, and innovators.

The program targets 12 key sectors: technology and digital transformation, financial investment, communications and media, real estate development, transport and logistics, banking services, youth and sports, tourism and culture, hospitality and catering, Hajj and Umrah, the third sector, and healthcare.


Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line 

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
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Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Grants Unified License to Global Shipping Line 

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)
The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector. (Mawani)

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) granted on Thursday a unified license to international shipping line Global Shipping Line (PIL), officially recognizing it as an authorized foreign investor to operate maritime agencies in the Kingdom's ports, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The license is issued in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Maritime Agency Services, reflecting Mawani's commitment to boosting the efficiency of the maritime sector and improving the quality of operational services provided at ports.

It aims to attract global expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer within the Kingdom, aligning with international best practices in the maritime transport industry.

The initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing efforts to develop the maritime business environment, enable international companies to invest in the Saudi market, and increase competitiveness within the maritime sector.

PIL, which operates from its regional headquarters in Riyadh, manages operations in 29 countries.

The move strengthens the Kingdom's position as a crucial logistics hub, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, while attracting more international shipping lines. It reinforces Saudi Arabia's role as a key link among three continents.


IMF: Restoring Lebanon's Economic Growth Will Require Comprehensive Reforms

FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo
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IMF: Restoring Lebanon's Economic Growth Will Require Comprehensive Reforms

FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier//File Photo

Lebanon's economy has shown resilience despite conflicts in the region, with tourism fueling a bit of a rebound, but restoring growth will require comprehensive reforms, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.

IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack said the global lender remains engaged in complex discussions with Lebanese ‌authorities following their ‌request for an IMF-supported ‌program ⁠in March 2025. The ⁠IMF sent a staff mission to Beirut earlier this month, said Reuters.

The talks have been focused on two big issues, she said, citing the need for banking sector restructuring and a medium-term fiscal ⁠strategy. "The economy has shown resilience ‌despite the impact ‌of conflicts in the region. It has had ‌a bit of a rebound ‌on the back of tourism from the strong diaspora," Kozack said.

"But at the same time, really restoring strong and sustainable growth will ‌require a comprehensive set of reforms to tackle some of the ⁠structural ⁠weaknesses that have really hampered Lebanon's economic performance for many years," she said. Reforms also are needed to attract international support to help Lebanon address its substantial reconstruction needs.

Kozack said Lebanon needs an updated medium-term fiscal framework that includes concrete measures to mobilize additional revenues for much-needed capital spending, as well as a sovereign debt restructuring to restore debt sustainability.