Saudi Energy Minister: KSA does not obstruct climate negotiations
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman described recently accusations that the kingdom is obstructing climate negotiations at the UN summit in Scotland as “lies and slanders.”
Speaking at the UN Climate Summit in Glasgow, the minister said international efforts to combat climate change “must not undermine global energy security, or shun any particular energy source”.
The Saudi Energy Minister pointed out that it is necessary to recognize the diversity of climate solutions, noting that climate change needs a global response.
A Call to Unite Efforts
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in his speech on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Climate Summit, also said that the Kingdom reaffirms “the importance of unifying efforts to implement the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, taking into account the principle of common and differentiated responsibility among countries.”
The Saudi Minister of Energy also called for “taking into account the principle of common, but differentiated responsibility, among countries, and the special circumstances faced by the least developed countries, and to work together to support these countries to confront the negative effects resulting from policies related to climate change, without disrupting its sustainable development.
He stressed that “the global nature of climate change requires a joint and effective international response, and the success of this response lies in achieving three basic pillars, the first of which is energy security, the second of which is economic development that ensures the well-being of peoples, and the third of which is addressing the challenges of climate change.”
Saudi Arabia Raises its Contributions
The Minister of Energy said that Saudi Arabia has raised “the level of its nationally determined contributions, by reducing emissions by 278 million tons annually, by 2030, which is equivalent to more than double what was previously announced in 2015”.
He stated that the Kingdom also announced its goal to reach zero neutrality in 2060 “through the circular economy approach to carbon, and in line with the Kingdom’s development plans, enabling its economic diversification, and in line with the “moving baseline”, and preserving the Kingdom’s leading role in enhancing the security and stability of energy markets world, and in light of the development and application of technologies necessary to manage and reduce emissions.
