Last checked at 10 Jun 2009 16:35
SOCO International plc
("SOCO" or the "Company")
Appointment of Non-executive Director
SOCO is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador António Monteiro as a Non-executive Director with immediate effect. Ambassador Monteiro is also expected to be appointed to two of the Board's Committees.
Mr Monteiro, aged 65, graduated with a law degree from Universidade Lisboa in 1967. He then joined the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he had a distinguished 42 year career, including being Foreign Minister (2004-2005).
His various ambassadorial duties have included posts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, culminating with his appointment as Portugal's ambassador to France (2006-2009). Ambassador Monteiro also served as the permanent representative of Portugal to the United Nations (1997-2001). His United Nations diplomatic roles have embraced some very complex and sensitive responsibilities including being President of the Security Council (April 1997/June 1998) and High Representative of the Security Council for elections in Côte d'Ivoire.
Ambassador Monteiro is currently a member of the Board of the Angolan Bank BPA (Banco Privado do Atlântico) and a member of the Supervisory Board of the Portuguese Bank BCP (Banco Comercial Português) Millennium. He is also a member of Scientific Council of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa.
Commenting on the appointment, Ed Story, SOCO's Chief Executive, stated:
"We are delighted to have António join us on the Board. His broad diplomatic experience in regions of the world where we have assets core to our portfolio can be invaluable not only in maximising our potential there but also in accessing opportunities to increase our interests. We believe António's extensive background and expertise will not only enable him to make a significant individual contribution to the Company, but will also provide complementary skills which will elevate the strength of the full SOCO Board."
The Company confirms that there are no additional matters requiring disclosure under Rule 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.
10 June 2009
ENQUIRIES:
SOCO International plcRoger Cagle, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer
Tel: 020 7747 2000
Pelham Public Relations
James Henderson Tel: 020 7337 1500
Mark Antelme Tel: 020 7337 1505
NOTES TO EDITORS:
SOCO is an international oil and gas exploration and production company, headquartered in London, traded on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. The Company has interests in Vietnam, Thailand, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) and Angola.