Germany in talks with Qatar on long-term gas supplies to reduce dependence on Russia

German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck speaks during an extraordinary session, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, at the Lower House of the German parliament in Berlin, Germany, February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Michel Tantoussi

(Reuters) – Government officials from both sides said on Sunday that Germany and Qatar are negotiating a long-term energy partnership, as Europe’s largest economy seeks to become less dependent on Russian energy sources.

Germany said a partnership had been reached, but Qatar stopped short of saying the agreement had been finalized.

Russia is Germany’s largest supplier of gas, and German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has launched several initiatives to reduce his country’s energy dependence on Russia since it invaded its neighbor Ukraine.

The Amiri Diwan said in a statement on Sunday that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, received Habek on Sunday and they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, especially in the energy sector.

Qatar said companies from both countries would “reengage in discussions on long-term LNG supplies and make progress,” according to a statement from state-owned oil and gas company Qatar Energy.

A spokesman for the German Economy Ministry in Berlin confirmed that the deal had been completed.

“The companies that came to Qatar with (HABIC) will now enter into contractual negotiations with the Qatari side,” the spokesman said.

Qatar said in a statement that it had sought for years to supply Germany, but discussions did not result in concrete agreements.

Germany recently announced plans to build two LNG terminals. With no terminals currently in place, Germany is unable to receive direct shipments of LNG from Qatar.

Habek also met with Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida al-Kaabi in Doha, where they discussed energy relations and cooperation between Qatar, one of the largest exporters of natural gas in the world, and Germany and ways to enhance them, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kaabi.

(Report) Moataz Mohamed, Andrew Mills and Klaus Lauer. Written by Shakeel Ahmed, Moataz Mohamed, Tom Sims and Andrew Mills. Editing by David Clark, Frances Kerry and Hugh Lawson

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