Moscow:On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, attended the Eighth Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow, Russian Federation.
According to Wam, the summit, hosted by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, was attended by heads of state, government officials, and senior representatives from participating countries, marking the Forum's twenty-fifth anniversary.
Saeed Al Hajeri discussed the UAE's strategic approach to meet the growing global energy demand, stressing the importance of energy diversification, long-term investment, and technological innovation in fostering economic growth and sustainable development. He emphasized the UAE's role as a reliable and responsible global energy partner, focusing on conventional energy resources, renewable, and peaceful nuclear energy, as well as energy efficiency and emissions-reduction technologies.
He highlighted the significance of natural gas in powering industries, supporting electricity generation, and complementing renewable energy, especially as new sources of demand are created by artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced industries. He also mentioned the importance of sustained investment, innovation, and constructive dialogue between producers and consumers to ensure global energy systems support long-term economic growth.
The UAE aims to advance energy reliability alongside emissions reduction, aligning with the UAE Consensus objectives adopted at COP28, which include tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Al Hajeri also noted the interconnected roles of energy, water, and food in sustainable development, citing natural gas's contribution to fertilizer production and desalination.
He highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and the Republic of Senegal in Abu Dhabi, as a chance to strengthen international cooperation, mobilize investment, and accelerate solutions for sustainable water management.
The Eighth GECF Summit concluded with the adoption of the Moscow Declaration, emphasizing natural gas market stability, investment, technological advancement, and international cooperation. The Declaration also acknowledged the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi as part of broader efforts to advance integrated and sustainable water resources management.
The UAE's participation at the summit underscored its significant role in global energy cooperation, showcasing its ability to combine energy production, diversification, and innovation to support economic development. Through international forums, the UAE leverages its experience and expertise to develop practical solutions for the evolving global energy landscape.