Iraq: OPEC+ Aims for Oil Market Stability

A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)
A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)
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Iraq: OPEC+ Aims for Oil Market Stability

A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)
A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)

The goal of OPEC+ meetings is to stabilize the oil market, Iraqi Oil Ministry Spokesperson Asim Jihad affirmed on Saturday, saying decisions are based on market conditions.

“If more oil is needed, production increases; if not, production is cut,” said Jihad, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

Jihad emphasized Iraq’s role in OPEC+ meetings, where decisions are made collectively to stabilize and balance the market. He highlighted voluntary reduction efforts, beneficial for both producers and consumers.

OPEC+ recently decided to maintain current production levels. It reviewed data showing high compliance with production quotas from both OPEC and non-OPEC countries.

The Ministerial Monitoring Committee welcomed commitments from Iraq and Kazakhstan to comply with quotas and compensate for overproduction. It also welcomed Russia’s plan to base adjustments on production rather than exports in 2024’s second quarter.

Countries with excess production between January and March 2024 will submit detailed compensation plans by April 30, 2024.

The committee pledged to monitor market conditions closely and take further action if needed. Saudi Arabia extended voluntary production cuts until June.

OPEC+ members, led by Saudi Arabia, agreed to extend voluntary production cuts by 2.2 million barrels per day. When these cuts end in June, total cuts will decrease to 3.66 million barrels per day.

The OPEC+ Ministerial Monitoring Committee meets every two months to provide policy recommendations, which are then discussed and ratified by all members.



Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
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Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)

The Third Saudi International Maritime Forum opened in the Eastern Region on Tuesday.

The event is organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the theme “Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Trends and Threats”.

The forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, was attended by Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, alongside senior naval leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives of global maritime companies and regulatory bodies.

Chief of Naval Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi expressed gratitude for the Minister of Defense’s support, noting that the forum aligns with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence shaping global maritime security.

He highlighted the forum’s objectives, including fostering international collaboration on maritime security, exchanging knowledge among naval leaders, promoting the adoption of advanced systems in the maritime sector, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and leveraging emerging technologies to address security challenges.

The forum also features an exhibition, inaugurated by Al-Ruwaili, showcasing strategic services and innovations from sectors and companies specializing in maritime security.

Spanning three days, the forum brings together 42 speakers across five dialogue sessions and 21 workshops. Key topics include maritime strategies in the age of artificial intelligence, policies and regulations for integrating AI into maritime operations, the impacts of advanced maritime systems on security and cybersecurity, training and development of maritime professionals in the AI era, and the future of military industries in AI-driven technologies.

Additionally, 29 government agencies and 23 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition, displaying the latest equipment and technologies in maritime security.

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions.