Berlin, March 18, (dpa/GNA) – Germany’s economy minister is set to travel to the Gulf this weekend as part of his country’s efforts to become less dependent on Russia for energy.
Qatar, the first stop on Robert Habeck’s trip, is one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) but the bulk of its deliveries currently go to Asia.
The Green politician said that Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine had put the topic of energy security at the centre of international discussions.
“More than ever, we have to promote a global energy transition and currently push for the diversification of natural gas sources,” he said.
Germany needs more liquefied natural gas for the LNG terminals it plans to build, Habeck explained, while adding that this fossil fuel should only be used “temporarily and in the short term.”
He stressed the importance of transitioning in the future from conventional natural gas to “green” hydrogen – and said the Ukraine war made this transition more urgent.
“This can best be done within a European and international network. For both, our partners in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are of central importance,” he said.
Habeck is scheduled to fly to Qatar on Saturday, according to his Economic Affairs and Climate Action Ministry. He is to be welcomed by the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in the capital Doha, where talks with ministers are also planned.
On Sunday, Habeck is to travel onwards to the UAE, where he intends to meet with several ministers.
According to the ministry, he will be accompanied on the Gulf trip by a high-ranking business delegation. They are set to return on Monday.
In addition to economic discussions, human rights issues will also be raised during the talks, the ministry said.
GNA