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Saeed Al Hajeri joined high-level representatives from gas-producing nations at the Eighth Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum hosted in the Russian capital, the Emirates News Agency reported. He stood in for UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during proceedings that culminated in agreement on the Moscow Declaration. The gathering focused on reinforcing cooperation to ensure stable energy supplies amid geopolitical tensions and rising global demand.
Member countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum hold 70 percent of the world’s proven natural gas reserves and account for around 40 percent of global exports, a Kremlin assessment found. Russian President Vladimir Putin told the plenary session that the resource makes up roughly one-quarter of worldwide energy consumption with annual demand expected to reach 5.5 trillion cubic meters by mid-century. The forum’s participants used the occasion to stress the fuel’s role in supporting economic growth, industrial expansion and environmental objectives.
The Moscow Declaration reaffirmed the sovereign rights of nations over their natural resources while voicing concern about disruptions to gas markets caused by conflicts in the Middle East, according to the document published by Russian authorities. Summit participants opposed unilateral sanctions lacking United Nations approval on the grounds that such measures fragment supply chains and raise costs for consumers. The text further advocated for expanded use of long-term contracts, technology sharing and infrastructure investment to strengthen supply security.
Founded in 2001 with its headquarters in Doha, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum provides a platform for dialogue among leading producers to promote market stability, its official overview states. The United Arab Emirates became a full member in 2012, adding its substantial reserves to the group’s collective influence on global energy trends. This participation aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to advance sustainable development and international energy partnerships.
Leaders from Iran, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea and other member states attended the plenary session held at Moscow’s World Trade Center, Russian state media reported. Several countries including Algeria sent prime ministers or senior ministers while the UAE was represented by Al Hajeri at the ministerial level. The event coincided with the forum’s 25th anniversary and referenced declarations from all seven previous summits.
The adopted declaration also touched on the water-energy-food nexus and pointed to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference scheduled for Abu Dhabi as a related global platform, summit records show. Member states committed to incorporating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency across the gas value chain. The forum continues to position natural gas as an essential element for achieving inclusive and sustainable progress in both producing and consuming countries.
