By Abdelwaheb El Gueyed
VIENNA, May 31 (KUNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Oil Anas Al-Saleh said Tuesday Kuwait is keen on maintaining open channels of dialogue and communication between oil producers' countries inside and outside the organization.
Al-Saleh, also Minister of Finance, made thee remarks to KUNA after arrival in Vienna to participate in OPEC 169 ministerial conference, which kicks off on Thursday.
Al-Saleh also expressed hopes that the dialogue would be based on past agreements and upon outcome of a meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC countries in Doha, Qatar, stressing that such approach will contribute to achieving greater balance between supply and demand of oil in global markets.
Regard oil prices, the Kuwaiti minister said that Kuwait is firm like other producers to achieve a fair price in the market and protect the interests of producers and consumers alike.
On current production levels and prices, Al-Saleh said the decline in the production to some countries has contributed relatively to the increase of prices, but there are high hopes that the market will witness by the end of this year and early next year, a more balanced and stable oil prices.
In response to the issue of choosing the next OPEC Secretary-General, replacing the current Secretary General Dr. Abdullah Salem Al-Badri, Al-Saleh said they expect an understanding among OPEC oil ministers on a candidate for this position and resolve the issue during the current meeting in Vienna.
Upon his arrival, the minister was greeted by OPEC chief Al-Badri and Kuwaiti Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations Mohammad Sadeq Marafi, OPEC Executive Office Director Abdullah Al-Shemmeri, and senior diplomats from Kuwaiti embassy in Austria. (end) amq.mb