New York, May 19 (QNA) - The State of Qatar affirmed its continued commitment to its role as a reliable and responsible partner in promoting global energy security, as one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), noting that it has consistently provided stable and reliable supplies of LNG to many countries across Asia, Europe and around the globe, contributing to the stability of international markets.
This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, before the special meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on "Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation," held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency said that, since the outbreak of war in the region, the State of Qatar faced missile attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran on several areas, including Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC), which resulted in serious damage to the world's largest LNG facility, prompting a declaration of a "force majeure" status with regard to production.
HE Sheikha Alya Al-Thani pointed out that the State of Qatar warned from the beginning that closing the Strait of Hormuz would turn the crisis from a regional to a global one, due to sharp fluctuations in prices, the impact of shipping and international trade, and the rise in transportation and production costs, given that the strait represents a vital artery for oil, LNG, and international trade.
In this regard, the State of Qatar emphasizes the importance of ensuring that international maritime routes remain open and safe in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 552 (1984) and Resolution 2817 (2026), including taking immediate steps to remove any naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz and cease their deployment, as well as halting the collection of fees from commercial vessels, as a collective responsibility to protect the global economy and global energy security.
HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN reaffirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to working with the international community, the UN, and all partners to ensure the security and sustainability of energy flows and supplies, and to support global development efforts. (QNA)