His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani emphasized Qatar’s commitment to strengthening global energy security during his participation in the Eighth Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), held this week at the World Trade Center in Moscow, Russia. The summit gathered representatives from member countries to discuss challenges facing global gas markets and the necessity of coordinated efforts to ensure stable energy supplies.
HH the Amir highlighted Qatar’s leading role in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry and reaffirmed the country’s intention to continue contributing to global energy security while fostering partnerships grounded in trust and mutual interests. He also expressed satisfaction with Qatar’s expanding investments in Russia and underscored the importance of developing economic, investment, and cultural ties between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the summit, HH the Amir held meetings with several key regional and international leaders. Notably, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace, where they discussed a range of regional and international issues, including developments in the Middle East and ways to enhance security and stability in the region and globally. Both leaders acknowledged the historic and evolving relationship between Qatar and Russia, emphasizing the crucial role of cooperation in stabilizing gas markets. President Putin noted that effective coordination between Russia and Qatar contributes positively to gas market stability and praised Qatari investments in Russian enterprises alongside growing cultural relations.
In addition to the meeting with President Putin, HH the Amir met with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at his residence in Moscow. The discussions focused on regional developments, particularly ongoing negotiations, security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, and energy supply matters relevant to the summit’s agenda. The meeting included senior officials from both countries, with Iran represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Head of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei.
Accompanying HH the Amir at the summit and during bilateral meetings were HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE the Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, and members of the official delegation. The Russian delegation was led by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, along with other ministers and senior government officials.
The GECF summit provided a platform for member states to exchange views on the complex dynamics of global gas markets, emphasizing collaborative approaches to ensure reliable energy supplies amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Qatar’s role as a leading LNG producer remains central to these efforts, reflecting its strategic position in the international energy landscape.