6th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable kicks off in Doha

DOHA, Nov 9 (KUNA) -- Modern economic renaissance, accompanied by a technological revolution, has accelerated gains of development globally, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani has said.
Such development increases the need to consolidate the concept of international peace and security, and that of partnership among nations on basis of common interests and mutual respect, Sheikh Abdullah told the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable conference that started in Doha on Monday.
He stressed momentousness of the meeting among partners of the same continent to deliberate on regional challenges facing Asia so as to develop common solutions for the benefit of sustainable development.
Since 2008, the global economy has been witnessing structural changes in all sectors owing to economic openness on one hand, and the interdependence between goods, services and financial markets on the other hand, the Premier said.
He noted that repercussions of financial crises, that impact most goods and services, influence comprehensive development worldwide.
Sheikh Abdullah warned of any quick present gains that do not have real added value, could negatively affect economic achievements around the world, and of course individuals' living standards.
Though Asia constitutes 60 percent of the world's population, the vast continent only forms 27 percent of its GDP, he said.
Today's meeting, held under the umbrella of the International Energy Forum, is considered as reinforcement of the principle of dialogue among partners as a civilized model for communication among nations, the Prime Minister said.
Amid the current economic conditions, Sheikh Abdullah called for learning from lessons of past economic hardships.
The Asian Roundtable, held under patronage of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, is attended by ministers of energy, senior officials and experts from around the continent.
The Kuwaiti delegation to the event is led by Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Electricity and Water Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
The delegation includes Kuwaiti Ambassador to Qatar Meteb Saleh Al-Mutotah, Director of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's Office Mashari Al-Anjari and Kuwait's OPEC governor Nawal Al-Fuzaia, and other officials. (end) nnd.msa