Korea and Qatar Strengthen Energy Ties: LNG Cooperation, Clean Energy Initiatives, and Global Supply Stability Discussed in Seoul Meeting

In a significant development, Dukgeun Ahn, South Korea’s Minister for Trade, Industry, and Energy, met with Qatar’s Minister of Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, in Seoul today for the Korea-Qatar Energy Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting marks a continuation of the growing energy cooperation between the two nations, with Qatar currently serving as South Korea’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as of 2023.

The meeting follows the Korea-Qatar Summit in October 2023, which further advanced the two countries’ energy partnership. The discussions centered on the outcomes of the summit and follow-up measures aimed at stabilizing global energy supply, particularly amid recent tensions in the Middle East and escalating global interest in energy security.

Both ministers expressed strong commitment to maintaining and expanding their successful LNG partnership. They explored opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, and other clean energy sources, building on their existing collaboration in LNG. Minister Ahn also introduced the Korea-led Carbon Free Energy (CFE) Initiative, highlighting potential areas for future joint efforts.

The meeting also covered ongoing projects in energy, plants, and LNG carriers, reflecting tangible outcomes from President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to Qatar and the bilateral summit.