The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has postponed its 60th anniversary slated for the second half of May to September 2021.

OPEC announced this in a letter on Wednesday by Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismaael, the Minister of Oil, Iraq, the host country, which was sent to the Secretary-General of OPEC, Mohammed Barkindo.

“I am writing to your Excellency regarding the 60th OPEC anniversary, which was planned to take place at Al-Shaab Hall in Baghdad, Iraq, in the second half of May 2021.

“Together, we are still facing the continued status of COVID-19 pandemic. The number of coronavirus cases is climbing in Iraq and globally despite the rolling out of vaccine,” Mr Ismaael explained.

According to him, both vaccine “hesitancy and efficacy could pose serious concerns in the near future.” 

He added, “It is too early to say that the pandemic hit the peak and the cases have been heading to the end.

“Large number of people is still vulnerable across the world which could lead to resort again to or extend quarantine and lockdowns to curb the spread of coronavirus.”

The letter explained further that while “we are eager that all Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) countries” had planned to attend the event in Baghdad next month, the safety of the participants had overridden the desire.

“To this end, we regretfully have to postpone the celebration to the second half of September 2021, hoping by then that we will celebrate not only the OPEC’s 60th anniversary but also the end of this straining pandemic.

“We express our gratitude and appreciation for your understanding and support. It would be highly appreciated if this letter could be circulated to the esteemed head of delegation,” the letter pointed out.