ALGIERS - Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab received Tuesday, at the Ministry's headquarters, the General Manager of the Spanish company "Arflu," Gonzaga Fernandez, accompanied by a delegation of the company's executives, according to a ministry statement.

The meeting, which took place in the presence of officials from the Ministry, provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for cooperation and partnership between the Sonatrach group and the Spanish company specialized in the design and manufacture of industrial valves and technical equipment for the oil and gas and seawater desalination sectors.

The discussions focused on avenues for developing industrial and technical cooperation regarding hydrocarbon equipment and facilities, including industrial valves intended for exploration, production, transportation, and processing operations, as well as equipment used in seawater desalination plants, aligning with ongoing national programs in this domain.

Both parties also explored the potential for establishing industrial partnerships aimed at localizing certain industries and equipment tied to the hydrocarbons sector within Algeria.

They also discussed boosting local content, transferring technology and expertise, and developing maintenance and technical support services.

On this occasion, Arkab emphasized the importance of supporting industrial partnerships that help develop the national industrial fabric, promote local integration, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology in line with the directives of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at boosting local manufacturing and tapping into national capabilities, particularly in strategic sectors tied to hydrocarbons and seawater desalination.

For their part, Arflu officials provided an overview of their expertise, technical capacities, and industrial solutions that meet international standards.

They expressed their interest in expanding their footprint in the Algerian market through long-term partnership and investment projects.