At the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting held in Riyadh, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining energy security above political conflicts. Al Kaabi called for a global framework that ensures the protection of energy supplies from political disputes and safeguards energy infrastructure from conflicts.
During his address, Al Kaabi expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and underscored the necessity of international collaboration to uphold energy security. He highlighted the severe global energy crisis triggered by ongoing regional conflicts, which have disrupted the flow of around 20 percent of the world’s hydrocarbon supplies. Al Kaabi also pointed out the billions of dollars in damage caused by attacks on energy infrastructure, which have led to increased volatility in international markets.
Al Kaabi stressed that energy security is intricately linked to geopolitical stability and is vital to the global economy. He urged for stronger international efforts to protect energy assets, reinforce supply chains, and ensure reliable energy supplies amid rising regional tensions. His remarks underscored the importance of a concerted effort to address these challenges to prevent further disruptions.
The meeting in Riyadh brought together energy ministers, government representatives, industry leaders, and international organizations to discuss key issues affecting global energy dynamics. Topics of discussion included energy security, supply chain resilience, and the changing patterns of global demand and supply.