Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, was among world leaders to offer support for Guyana’s thrust towards energy security.
But to do so, he said the country also has a right to do what it must to harness its resources.
“Qatar’s success story in the energy field has confirmed what we always believed.
“Every nation has a right to explore and secure its energy resources,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a virtual address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
Earlier, in another video-recorded message, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis rejected those who seek to prevent new entrants into the global oil and gas market and offered his full support for Guyana – a new oil-producer seeking to balance oil exploitation with its transition to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
The endorsements come amid a growing debate of withholding support for the exploitation of new oil discoveries.
Several countries granted new exploration permits and licenses are currently facing criticism.
But Guyana insists it needs oil production to transform and modernise its economy and that it will do so in the shortest possible window to maximize benefits but also with a strategy in mind that balances its commitment to reversing global warning mitigating climate change and transitioning to renewable energy – altogether its net zero goals.
“Energy security is the backbone of economic prosperity and development…the two are interdependent and cannot be separated in any context.
“With proper planning, tools and partnerships, every nation can fulfill its energy security,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
He said Qatar Energy is actively working with partners in every nation, including across Latin America and specifically Guyana, to responsibly develop energy resources.
“This natural resource exploitation doesn’t only help secure energy security and equity for future generations but it also develops the host infrastructure.
“The world requires a robust mix of all energy resources for future populations,” he added.
