Qatar’s Amir meets Iranian president as energy talks continue in Moscow

The Qatari delegation is attending the eighth GECF summit in Moscow on Tueaday, bringing together leaders of major gas-exporting countries to discuss global gas markets and energy cooperation. Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow on Tuesday on the sidelines of the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).The two leaders discussed expanding political and economic ties, including cooperation in energy and trade and coordination among gas-producing countries, Iranian media reported, citing Pezeshkian’s office.Qatar’s Amir arrived in Moscow on Monday to attend the GECF summit, which brings together leaders of major gas-exporting countries to discuss energy cooperation and global gas markets.Separately, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO Saad Sherida Al Kaabi met with Iran’s Acting Minister of Petroleum, Hamid Bovard, in Moscow on Tuesday, at the sidelines of the 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).“Discussions during the meeting focused on energy relations and cooperation between Qatar and Iran,” QatarEnergy said. This marks the second round of energy talks between Qatar and Iran this month, following a meeting in Doha on 19 October during a visit by Iran’s acting Minister of Petroleum, Hamid Bovard, where the two officials discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in the energy sector.Al Kaabi also held separate meetings with energy ministers from Algeria, Libya, Senegal and Venezuela, with discussions covering bilateral energy cooperation, the forum’s agenda and developments in global gas markets.During Qatar’s participation at the 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s summit of GECF, Al Kaabi, called for the protection of energy infrastructure and shipping routes amid regional conflict.Al Kaabi warned that disruptions in the Gulf could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and energy security, citing attacks on energy facilities and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.Qatar’s own energy production facilities had been targeted in several attacks, Al Kaabi said, adding that production had been halted and Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels faced severe restrictions on their movement through regional shipping routes.“It is critical that we work together to protect energy infrastructure during times of conflict,” Al Kaabi said, calling for the protection of energy routes and maritime shipping lanes.Qatar’s energy minister reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to reliable energy supplies, particularly LNG, saying the country sought to “be a force for peace” while continuing to play an active role in global energy markets.Al Kaabi also stressed the need for sustained investment across the natural gas supply chain, supported by greater market certainty, fair access to financing and long-term cooperation between producers and consumers.Natural gas remained a key part of a diversified global energy mix and a balanced energy transition, he said, adding: “Natural gas is here to stay.”