Iran (IMNA) - Speaking at the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Paknejad urged the forum to evolve into a more structured and influential organization, proposing it be renamed the “Organization of Gas Exporting Countries” (OGEC) to better tackle emerging energy and policy challenges.
He expressed gratitude to Qatar for hosting the meeting during a “sensitive time for peace and energy security” and condemned recent aggressions by the “Zionist Israeli regime,” including attacks on Iran and Qatar, calling on GECF members to jointly denounce these acts as threats to regional stability and global energy markets.
Paknejad highlighted the growing role of natural gas in global energy security, citing projections of a 32% rise in gas demand by 2050 and advocating for an increase in natural gas’s share of the global energy mix from 23% to 30%. He emphasized the forum’s responsibility as holders of 70% of the world’s proven gas reserves.
He also warned against policy pressures aimed at phasing out fossil fuels, which he said could hinder investments in clean gas technologies and threaten energy access for developing countries.
Criticizing unilateral sanctions on resource-rich nations as market destabilizers, Paknejad reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to expanding gas production and efficiency despite sanctions, relying on domestic innovation and international cooperation.
He proposed establishing a high-level dialogue between gas producers and consumers to stabilize global supply and demand, along with restructuring the GECF to better meet members’ needs.
Concluding, Paknejad thanked GECF Secretary General Mohamed Hamel and reaffirmed Iran’s dedication to strengthening cooperation within the forum, emphasizing that solidarity and dialogue are key to shaping the future of global energy markets.
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