Qatar’s energy minister reaffirmed the country’s role as a reliable supplier in talks with the UK and Japan, as regional tensions and strikes on Iranian gas facilities raise global energy security concerns.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, has held separate virtual meetings on Wednesday with senior officials from the United Kingdom and Japan, as global energy markets react to escalating tensions in the region.

The discussions focused on the impact of the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf neighbours, on the global energy industry and ways to ensure secure supplies, following recent strikes on energy facilities at the South Pars/North Dome field, the world’s largest gas reserve.

During his meeting with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, both sides addressed the challenges facing global energy markets.

Minister Al-Kaabi reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to remain “a reliable energy supplier” and to strengthen cooperation with the United Kingdom.

In a separate meeting with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Ryosei Akazawa, similar issues were discussed regarding market stability and supply security.

Minister Al-Kaabi reiterated Qatar’s position as a reliable energy supplier and underscored the importance of advancing long-standing energy ties with Japan.

The talks come as concerns grow over global energy security, with oil prices surging and warnings that the Middle East conflict could disrupt supply chains and key infrastructure across the region.