Qatar argues for right to explore for natural resources

Qatar has taken a strong stance in terms of the nation’s right to explore natural resources, as the nation’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, issued a statement on Monday in which he highlighted how important these measures are, as Qatar attempts to secure resources to meet its energy requirements.

The statement came at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, where he spoke in support of Guyana’s attempts to explore its territories for resources, as the nation attempts to ensure its security in terms of energy production.

Qatar firmly believes that just like Guyana, it also has the right to ensure its energy security is maintained, as both nations look to build a prosperous and secure future for their people by harnessing the resources at their disposal.

Sheikh Mohammed stated the following during a virtual address, “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.”

He went on to say that, “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”

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed revealed that Qatar Energy is deeply engrossed in the energy sector and is working actively with multiple global partners, including many in the Latin American region. The nation enjoys a close partnership with Guyana in terms of the energy sector and is pursuing the development of energy resources with the President Irfaan Ali led government.

He also stated the following, “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.”

Prime Minister Phillip Davis of the Bahamas also addressed the gathering, stating categorically that he was against parties which are attempting to prevent the entry of new players in the oil, gas and energy markets. In the process, he expressed his support for Guyana and the nation’s recent drive to improve its role in the energy sector.

Concerning his stance on the latest developments in the energy sector, Prime Minister Davis stated the following, “We support Guyana to fuel its industrialization on its own terms with the resources the people of Guyana have been blessed with. As small states, we long recognise the need to work together given our unique vulnerabilities.”

“The region has taken adversity and turned it into strength, this has enabled us to flourish.”
Despite the positive developments in this sector, it is important to remember that the exploration and subsequent use of Guyana’s oil and gas reserves opens up new issues that must be addressed. The most important aspect of this is the need for better logistics and setting up supply chains that can feasibly sustain the emerging oil and gas market in Guyana.

Prime Minister Davis also reminded the gathering that even though there is a possibility that these efforts will lead Guyana and the region to prosperity, there are those who wish to pressure small developing states in the Caribbean by blocking the region’s potential in the oil and gas market.

This would be counterproductive as the world looks to effect a positive change on the climate crisis, as it stands and reverse the ill effects of global warming.

Prime Minister Davis made it a point to highlight the fact that Guyana has chosen a novel approach to its energy sector by ensuring that it manages to make use of the vast resources at its disposal, while also making sure that it does not harm the environment in the process and preserve the flora and fauna in the region, for the sake of future generations.

This now stands as the benchmark for nations, leaders and citizens in the region as they continue to explore new ways in which they can secure themselves with regards to their energy requirements and approach to the ongoing climate crisis.

Despite the increasing support for Guyana and its push for energy security, some challenges have cropped up in the region. The nation currently is grappling with a dispute that has pitted it against its neighbor, Venezuela.

The two nations are fighting over their right to claim the mineral rich Essequibo region, which belongs to Guyana according to most fair-minded authorities.

Venezuela itself is looking to become a major player in the energy market, both regionally and internationally. Since many of the areas from which Venezuela is looking to accumulate resources clash with Guyana’s claims, it has become a bone of contention between the two nations.

Their dispute regarding Essequibo has gone beyond the region, garnering international attention which has forced the establishment of two distinct sides in this dispute.

As both nations continue to expand their exploratory efforts, it is of the utmost importance that they do so with care, so as not to spark a conflict which would have a drastic impact on the region, both in terms of security and economics.