At the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, emphasized the critical need for a global energy framework that insulates energy supplies from political conflicts. Al Kaabi underscored this point by highlighting the detrimental impact of regional conflicts on global energy security and infrastructure.
Al Kaabi expressed Qatar’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of international collaboration to safeguard energy resources. He noted that ongoing regional tensions have precipitated a severe global energy crisis, affecting the flow of about 20 percent of the world’s hydrocarbon supplies. Furthermore, attacks on energy infrastructure have resulted in billions of dollars in damage, contributing to increased volatility in international markets.
He argued that energy security is inextricably tied to geopolitical stability and is vital to the global economy. Al Kaabi called for enhanced international efforts to protect energy assets, fortify supply chains, and ensure the reliability of energy supplies amid escalating regional tensions.
The forum gathered energy ministers, government representatives, industry leaders, and international organizations to address topics such as energy security, supply chain resilience, and evolving global demand and supply dynamics. Through this platform, participants aimed to forge strategies to mitigate the risks posed by geopolitical instabilities to the energy sector.