Germany clinches Qatar energy deal to reduce dependence on Russia

German Economic system and Local weather Minister Robert Habeck speaks throughout a rare session, after Russia launched a large navy operation in opposition to Ukraine, on the decrease home of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi

March 20 (Reuters) – Germany and Qatar have reached a long-term vitality partnership, a German official mentioned on Sunday, as Europe’s greatest economic system seeks to develop into much less depending on Russian vitality sources.

Russia is the biggest provider of gasoline to Germany and German Economic system Minister Robert Habeck has launched a number of initiatives to minimize Germany’s vitality dependence on Russia because it invaded its neighbour Ukraine.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani acquired Habeck on Sunday and the 2 mentioned methods to reinforce bilateral relations, notably within the vitality sector, the Emiri courtroom mentioned in a press release on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the German economics ministry in Berlin confirmed {that a} deal had been clinched.

“The businesses which have come to Qatar with (Habeck) will now enter into contract negotiations with the Qatari aspect,” the spokesperson mentioned.

In a press release, Qatar mentioned that for years it had sought to produce Germany however discussions by no means led to concrete agreements.

Germany has lately introduced plans to construct two LNG terminals.

Qatar mentioned that it agreed with Germany that “their respective industrial entities would re-engage and progress discussions on long run LNG provides”.

Habeck additionally met Qatari Minister of State for Vitality Affairs Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in Doha, the place they mentioned vitality relations and cooperation between Qatar, one of many world’s high pure gasoline exporters, and Germany and methods to reinforce them, in accordance with a press release from Al-Kaabi.

Reporting by Moataz Mohamed and Klaus Lauer
Writing by Shakeel Ahmad, Moataz Mohamed and Tom Sims
Enhancing by David Clarke and Frances Kerry

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