The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has offered its deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani of Saudi Arabia.
OPEC Secretary General, Mohammad Barkindo ,conveyed the condolences in a letter released on Tuesday on its official website.
TBI Africa reports that Yamani, was one of the most respected and recognised industry leaders in the global oil market.
Yamani played a central role in elevating OPEC’s perspectives to the global stage during a critical period in its history.
He was the Kingdom’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources from1962-86 and President of the OPEC’s 4th, 5th, 14th, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th Conferences.
“Ahmed Zaki Yamani was an outstanding icon of the world of oil and the leading light in OPEC during his eventful years as the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I recall vividly and with fondness his patience and graciousness at our meetings. He was an active listener who when he spoke, every one paid attention with what I call pin drop silence.
“He was charismatic and eloquent, humble and deeply religious. May his gentle soul rest in Jannat Al-Firdaus.” Barkindo said.
He further noted that during the holy months of Ramadan, Yamani routinely hosted informal ministerial consultations in Taif, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to brainstorm on current market developments to help build consensus for official OPEC conferences.
The OPEC Scribe recalled Yamani’s last OPEC meeting, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1986, as one that turned out to be the longest in the Organization’s 60-year history.
“Yamani’s strong leadership, his dedicated service and broad vision for OPEC has left a rich legacy for the organisation.
“The OPEC Secretariat reflects on his contribution and significant role in shaping the Organisation’s history with great admiration and pride.
“May his gentle soul rest in Jannat Al-Firdaus.
