Zaamin, Uzbakistan, 30 June 2024

By Ashraf Siddiqui

The second Maqom International Art Forum, an initiative of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, commenced with glowing tribunes to great Muslim poets and scholars amid a colourful mega opening ceremony in Uzbekistan’s city of Zaamin Town on Thursday.

The unique initiative by Uzbek president is aimed at preserving musical heritage, and the culture of the region and of Muslim world as well as local values and literature.

The guests included Simona-Mirela Miculescu, president of the General Conference of UNESCO; Salim Muhammad Al Malik, director-general of UNESCO; Sultan Rayev, secretary-general of TURKSOY; Oltinbek Maksutov, minister of Information, Sports and Youth Policy of Kyrgystan; Adil Gabil Ogle Karimli, minister of Culture of Azerbaijan; Aktoti Raimkulova, president of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation;Mehmet Sureyya Er, secretary-general of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States; Hamdo Nurlan Seytimov, deputy secretary-general, Commonwealth of Independent States; Yalchin Topcu, chief advisor to the President of Turkey; Malik Otarbayev, advisor to the President of Kazakhstan; Abdullah Rahmonzada, assistant to the President of Tajikistan for Social Development, Culture and Public Relations; dignitaries, diplomats, guests and participating educationists, experts and music artistes.

The unique and amazing event had two parts based on the composition of poetry of great Muslim scholars, including Alisher Navoi (1441-1501), Nizam Uddin Ganjaviy (1141-1209), Amir Khusrrau Dehlvi (1253-1325) and Abdula Rahman Jami (1414-1492). Second part featured 20 displays from the Uzbekistan regional heritage from Ferghana, Tashkent, Khorezm, Karakalpak, Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya.

Prominent artistes at the event included Uzbekistan Cultural Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov, who is a well-known pop-singer, Yulduz Usmonova, Matchanov Ochilbek, Abduhoshim Ismoilov; Munojot Yulchiyeva; Gulbahor Erqulova, Cigdem Gurdal, among others.

In his key note address, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev admired his country as a nation rich in distinctive traditions and values.

He said, “Today marks a significant occasion as we gather in this magnificent land, adorned by majestic mountains and lush forests, to celebrate the artistry and cultural heritage that define our collective identity. This conference follows the inaugural international status art festival held in Shahrisabz in 2018, renewing our spirits after a hiatus imposed by the pandemic.

“Our region, renowned for its archaeological wonders and scholarly contributions, has been a beacon of civilisation, nurturing science, art and enlightenment for centuries. It is here that figures like Allama Muhammad ibn Mahmud Ustrushani (13th century) in his groundbreaking work ‘The Code of Children’s Rights’ pioneered early discourse on children’s rights.”

Mirziyoyev said the art status, with its profound philosophical underpinnings and unique artistic style, occupies a central place in the country’s spiritual life. Symbolizing our ancient history and cultural wealth, it epitomizes our national spirit and enduring values, resonating across generations.

“Moreover, Uzbekistan’s contribution to world culture through art forms, notably recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, underscores its universal appeal and significance. This festival not only celebrates our past achievements but also sets a course for future endeavours in cultural preservation and international collaboration,” he stressed. He thanked all the participants for enriching the second Maqom International Art Forum, fostering a global dialogue on the transformative power of art.

Let us continue to nurture and promote the status art, ensuring it remains a vibrant force in our shared cultural tapestry,” he added.

The four-day Maqom International Art Forum, held under the auspices of UNESCO and ISESCO, was also addressed by Simona Mikulescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference; and Anar Karimov, Deputy Secretary General, ISESCO.

More than 400 participants from around 80 countries are participating in the four-day Maqom International Art Forum, which concluded today, Sunday, at the ‘Baghi Shamal’ complex in the city of Zaamin, a tourist destination in the Jezakh Governorate of Uzbekistan.

The event also featured a three-day conference participated in by experts, educationists and professionals from music sector. On the sidelines, a competition among the artists from 80 countries including traditional local instrument players, singers took part. In final competition, there were around 35 groups in final contest - won by Tajikistan, Iran and Azer teams.

Doha, 25 June 2024

Qatar National Library (QNL), state of the art library of State of Qatar received a selection of books from Latin American embassies in State f Qatar during a special ceremony marking the latest milestone in its journey of promoting cultural understanding.

Held at the Library today on Tuesday, 25th June, the ceremony brought together Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, and Jose Benzaquen, Dean of Latin America and Caribbean (GRULAC) Embassies to Qatar and ambassador of Peru along with the Latin American envoys based in the country.

The event was the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by the Library to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen cultural relations with diplomatic missions.

Spanning a variety of topics, the books shed light on the rich history and heritage of  Argentina, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Dr. Al-Kawari said the event reflected Qatar’s collaborative spirit and its policy of openness to the world. “We are grateful to the countries that contributed today to further advance our mission of fostering knowledge exchange and promoting a better understanding of various cultures including South America’s rich heritage,” he added.

The donation adds to the Library’s growing book collection in a variety of languages, covering countries across the world.

QNL acts as a steward of Qatar’s national heritage by collecting, preserving, and making available the country’s recorded history.

The Library provides equal access to all types of information and services and aims to enable the people of Qatar to positively influence society by creating an exceptional learning and discovery environment. Website:www.qnl.qa

The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, officially inaugurated Qatar National Library on 16 April 2018. The Library was granted the status of national library under the Amiri Decree No.11 of 20 March 2018.

Interested readers may visit QNL Website for a complete list of  QNL events - www.qnl.qa/en/events) or the QNL mobile app, which is available globally to download for free from the App Store on iOS devices and Google Play for Android.

Ankara, Turkey, 22 June 2024 (Anadolu News)

The streets of Tokyo on Saturday saw the carnage from an apparent massacre, with the bodies of dozens of victims strewn across the ground, their bodies lying prone or twisted, many of them marked by the signs of blood.

But it was instead a “die-in,” a scene to evoke the suffering in the embattled enclave of Gaza, recreated half a world away to protest the plight of Palestinians in the face of a months-long Israeli assault.

Many videos and pictures of the event in Japan's capital were posted on X, showing groups of protesters lying on the ground, while others, some of them carrying Palestinian flags, encircled them.

Another post showed a protester shrouded in an apparently blood-stained white sheet lying on the ground, reflecting the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"Gaza needs your help. Protesters (are) lying on the ground as if they were dead in front of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to raise awareness of the devastating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip," wrote Thoton Akimoto, a peace activist.

The event also tried to show catastrophic conditions in hospitals following Israeli attacks on health care facilities in the enclave, something the world has witnessed multiple times in recent months, though it is banned under the laws of war.

"The Gaza Street Hospital 6/22 South Exit of Shinjuku Station. An attempt is being made to recreate the brutal conditions in Gaza hospitals that the media does not report," wrote a peace activist on X with the handle @musabianpo.

Shinjuku Station is a major railway hub connecting different parts of the capital.

Over 37,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip since last October, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said on Saturday.

Nearly 86,000 people have also been injured in the onslaught, most of them – like those killed – women and children.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

More than eight months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicines.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

Pyongyang, 20 June 2024 (Tass News)

The Korean Central News agency (KCNA) has released the text of the North Korean-Russian treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership that was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to that country.

The key Provisions of Open-ended Treaty:

• Immediate mutual assistance in case of aggression against any of the countries;
• In case of a threat of aggression, the countries agree on measures to coordinate their positions, cooperate to remove the;
• Moscow and Pyongyang commit themselves not to enter into any agreements with third countries that may threaten their sovereignty and security;
• Russia and North Korea will make efforts to boost bilateral trade and create favorable conditions for economic cooperation;
• Moscow and Pyongyang agree to develop cooperation in the area of space exploration, peaceful use of nuclear energy, AI, and IT;
• The countries will invigorate cooperation in the area of the mass media to counter disinformation and information provocations;
• Russia and North Korea will create a system of measures to strengthen defense potential to prevent war and ensure peace;.

Russia and North Korea signed a new treaty that provides mutual defense assistance, formalizing the two countries' heightened level of military and diplomatic cooperation.

President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty after their summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

In a press conference following the meeting, Putin said the agreement "includes the provision of mutual assistance in case of an aggression against one of the signatories."

North Korea previously had an alliance treaty with the Soviet Union that stipulated automatic involvement in case of an attack on either of the countries. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it was succeeded in 2000 by a lower-level treaty with Russia.

Putin called the new treaty, which would replace the previous ones, "a truly groundbreaking document that reflects the desire of the two countries not to rest on their laurels, but to bring our relations to a new qualitative level." He added it "sets large-scale tasks and benchmarks for deepening Russian-Korean relations in the long term."

Both Kim and Putin stressed that the new pact is "defensive" in nature.

Putin's visit to North Korea — the first in 24 years — comes as the two countries have grown increasingly close in the past few years since Russia invaded Ukraine. North Korea is suspected to have provided Russia with millions of artillery shells and other weapons for use in Ukraine, in exchange for food, energy and military technologies.

The full scope of the treaty and other agreements signed on Wednesday are not publicized. And some North Korea watchers question the sustainability of the current bilateral ties.

But the United States and its allies have raised concerns that a growing military partnership would embolden the two ostracized countries and destabilize the region and beyond.

In Washington on Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after his meeting with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that Russia's war is "propped up" by countries like North Korea and China. "If they succeed in Ukraine, it will make us more vulnerable and the world more dangerous," he said.

In a show of strong friendship, Kim personally greeted Putin on a red-carpeted tarmac at the Pyongyang International Airport well past 2 a.m. on Wednesday. Putin was originally scheduled to arrive on Tuesday for a two-day visit.

Islamabad, 15 June 2024 (APP)

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Adha.

The prime minister extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Amir, the government, and the brotherly people of Qatar on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The two leaders exchanged views on the importance of Eid ul Adha, which symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and unity.

“At this joyous moment, both leaders also spoke about the plight of the brave and innocent people of Palestine and urged the international community to redouble peace efforts and ensure an immediate end to violence and bloodshed in the region,” it was further added.

The prime minister and the amir reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Qatar, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. They discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.

The prime minister expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s support and cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and labor.

The two leaders agreed to continue to work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the amir for graciously accepting the invitation to undertake an official visit to Pakistan and said the dates of his visit would be worked out soon.

Separately, on X account, the prime minister said that he had a warm and cordial telephone call with Amir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad on the blessed occasion of Eid ul Adha.

“Exchanged greetings and best wishes, reaffirming the strong bond of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Qatar. Also discussed the situation in Palestine and appreciated His Highness the Amir’s efforts for peace in the region,” he further added in the post.

Athens, 14 June 2024 (Anadolu News)

The G7 leaders on Friday announced they are united in supporting an “immediate cease-fire” in the Gaza Strip.

“We are united in supporting the comprehensive deal that has been put forward, that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a credible pathway towards peace that leads to a two-state solution. We also call for a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance,” the leaders said in a joint statement.

On May 31, Biden said that Israel presented a three-phase deal that would end hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held in the coastal enclave. The plan includes a cease-fire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Turning to Africa, the leaders said they are advancing efforts to invest in sustainable infrastructure on the continent and have launched the Energy for Growth under Africa initiative with numerous African partners.

Regarding developing countries, they stressed the correlation between poverty reduction and tackling global challenges.

They vowed to make it possible for the World Bank to increase lending by $70 billion while also encouraging the international community to address the debt burden.

Turkish official news agency Anadolu reported today that Metropolitan Council of Izmir in Western Turkiye has unanimously approved granting status of Izmir City as Sister City of Gaza, Palestine.

The decision was made during a regular city council meeting of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, presided over by Mayor Cemil Tugay. The proposal, which received unanimous support from all political party groups, aimed to strengthen solidarity with Gazans while also showing support for the enclave.

Speaking at the council meeting, Tugay expressed his satisfaction with the decision, saying: "We will stand by the city that is subjected to oppression; this is what suits us." "After going through the legal process, if Gaza also agrees, we will sign a sister city protocol with the enclave," he said.

"My heartfelt wish is for the attacks there to stop as soon as possible, for peace to be established, and for the rights of the people of Gaza and Palestine not to be violated in any way," he added.

Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Over 37,300 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, most of them women and children, and over 85,100 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Uzbekistan, 14 June 2024

The IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights, held on June 13-14, 2024, in Uzbekistan, focused on the theme 'Environmental Challenges: The Future of Human Rights and Sustainable Solutions in a Changing World'.

This traditional international conference included three plenary sessions, conducted both offline and online, facilitating extensive engagement with global experts.

The main goal of this year's forum was to explore the intricate relationship between climate change and human rights. Participants discussed these issues on a broad scale, utilizing detailed information analysis.

The forum provided an opportunity for attendees to gain essential knowledge, exchange experiences, and learn from international best practices. It also focused on developing concrete recommendations and solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on human rights.

The discussions served as a platform for experts from various fields to collaborate on effective strategies that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure the protection of human rights in a changing climate.

National and International Collaboration

The forum was organized by the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the 'Strategy of Development' center.

The event enjoyed the support of significant international partners, including the United Nations team in Uzbekistan. Key international partners included the Office of the Permanent Coordinator of the United Nations in Uzbekistan, the Regional Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia, the United Nations Development Program in Uzbekistan, and the Office of the Coordinator of Projects in Uzbekistan of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Additionally, the Friedrich Ebert and Konrad Adenauer foundations had representatives participating in the event.

Diverse Participation

The forum attracted around 200 experts, comprising national and international specialists in climate change and human rights. Participants included officials from state organizations dealing with climate change issues, representatives from civil society institutions, media professionals, researchers, business leaders, and members of international organizations.

Notably, the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission from Qatar participated in the event. This inclusion underscored the forum's commitment to integrating diverse perspectives and fostering global cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change to human rights.

The IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights proved to be a pivotal event, fostering dialogue and collaboration to address one of the most critical issues of our time. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, the forum developed comprehensive strategies and solutions to ensure the protection of human rights in the face of environmental challenges. Through shared knowledge and cooperative efforts, the forum paved the way for sustainable solutions that can effectively address the impact of climate change on human rights.

Doha, 14 June 2024

By Cao Xiaolin

Ambassador Of Peoples Republic of China to                                                                                   State of Qatar.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF). The 10^th Ministerial Conference of the CASCF was successfully held on 30^th May, 2024 in Beijing. Leaders and foreign ministers from both China and the Arab States attended the Conference.

The theme of the Conference is Working Toward a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the Conference.

The Conference adopted three important outcome documents, which are the Beijing Declaration, the Forum Action Plan for 2024-2026, and the China-Arab States Joint Statement on the Palestinian Issue.

The Conference further built consensus between China and Arab states, planned for cooperation in the next stage, and made a common voice of China and Arab states on the Palestinian question.

The CASCF has made remarkable achievements since its establishment 20 years ago, and has yielded important outcomes in multiple aspects under the care and attention of the leaders from China and the Arab States.

China’s relationship with many Arab states has developed from a “partnership” to a “strategic cooperative relationship”, and further upgraded to a “strategic partnership”, achieving leapfrog development.

With the efforts of both sides, China-Arab strategic mutual trust has been continuously deepened, practical cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both peoples, people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been further enriched, and active progress has been made in building a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Over the past two decades, CASCF contributed significantly to the development of China-Arab relations, and has become the signature platform for collective China-Arab cooperation and written a splendid chapter in South-South cooperation characterized by mutual respect, mutual benefit and mutual learning.

CASCF is a role model for maintaining world peace and stability. China and the Arab countries respect the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, the independent choice of every nation and the reality formed in history.

Our two sides uphold the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, practice true multilateralism, and defend the legitimate rights and interests of the developing countries.

China is ready to deepen strategic mutual trust with Arab states, and firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and strive together for solutions to hot-spot issues that uphold fairness and justice and sustain peace and security.

China supports the Arab countries in promoting political settlement of hot-spot and challenging issues with Arab wisdom, and building a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture in the Middle East.

CASCF is a role model of mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. China and the Arab states have strengthened synergy between our development strategies, and promoted high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

As we consolidate cooperation in traditional areas including economy and trade, energy and infrastructure development, we have broadened new sources of growth such as green and low-carbon development, health and medical services, and investment and finance.

Cooperation in science and technology will nurture new highlights in our relationship. China will work with Arab countries to enhance cooperation on AI to make it empower the real economy and to promote a broad-based global governance system on AI.

CASCF is a role model of harmonious coexistence between civilizations. China and the Arab countries respect the diversity of civilizations, uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations. We advocate that cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority.

Peace, truth, integrity and inclusiveness are the common pursuit of both Chinese and Arab peoples. China is ready to work with the Arab countries to increase personnel exchange, deepen people-to-people cooperation, and promote the sharing of governance experience, and create a fine example of mutual learning among civilizations in the new era.

CASCF is a role model for promoting good global governance. The international community is confronted by regional disputes as well as global issues such as climate change, terrorism, cybersecurity and biosecurity, and deficits in governance, trust, peace and development are getting wider. China and the Arab countries have enhanced cooperation to improve the global governance under the principle of “planning together, building together, and benefiting together”, and worked to address the various challenges and global issues facing humanity .

China will work with the Arab countries to champion an equal & orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial & inclusive economic globalization, and strengthen communication and coordination with Arab countries at the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other multilateral platforms.

The past 20 years has proven that CASCF is a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public good. China will continue to work with the Arab countries to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship and build a better future.

(the author is the Chinese Ambassador to State of Qatar)

Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy, 14 June 2024

(European Union Council)

The G7 50th summit hosted by this year's Italian G7 presidency took place in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy from 13-15 June 2024.

The EU was represented by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The summit in Apulia was an opportunity for G7 leaders to demonstrate their strong determination to uphold the international order based on the rule of law, and to strengthen their engagement with developing nations.

The main issues addressed during the six working sessions were:

• Africa, climate change and development
• the ongoing situation in the Middle East
• Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
• migration
• Indo-Pacific and economic security
• artificial intelligence, energy, Africa-Mediterranean

At the end of the summit, the leaders adopted a leaders' communiqué.

• that it presents, in partnership with countries of origin and transit. We will focus on the root causes of irregular migration, efforts to enhance border management and curb transnational organized crime, and safe and regular pathways for migration. We launched the G7 Coalition to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants.
• Deepening our cooperation to harness the benefits and manage the risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We will launch an action plan on the use of AI in the world of work and develop a brand to support the implementation of the International Code of Conduct for Organizations Developing Advanced AI Systems.
• Fostering strong and inclusive global economic growth, maintaining financial stability and investing in our economies to promote jobs and accelerate digital and clean energy transitions. We also remain committed to strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system and to implementing a more stable and fairer international tax system fit for the 21st century.
• Acting together to promote economic resilience, confront non-market policies and practices that undermine the level playing field and our economic security, and strengthen our coordination to address global overcapacity challenges.

In taking forward all these priorities, our partnership in the G7 will continue to be guided by our joint commitment to cooperate openly and transparently in a coordinated manner.

We are grateful for the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis and for his contribution.

In a spirit of shared responsibility, we warmly welcome the participation of the Leaders of Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.

G-7 Group History

Doha, 12 June 2024

Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Igor Sechin delivered a speech at the Energy Panel of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum paying special attention to the energy transition and discussing the forecast by OPEC of which Qatar is also a part.

Rosneft has established significant connections with Qatar in the energy sector. One notable partnership is its collaboration with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar. Additionally, Rosneft has explored cooperation opportunities with Qatar in various areas of the energy industry, including joint ventures, investment projects, and technology exchanges.

Talking about the forecast by OPEC, an organization enabling the co-operation of leading oil-producing countries, the Rosneft CEO said, “It is not surprising that global oil demand continues to grow despite the expectations of the so-called ‘oil peak’. I believe that OPEC's forecast paints quite a realistic picture of the future of the global energy industry,” he said.

According to OPEC forecast, oil demand is to grow almost by 20% to the value of 116 million bpd by 2045, and oil is to continue to account for about 30% of the global energy mix. According to the Rosneft CEO, developing countries will be the main drivers of oil consumption in the coming decades. By 2030, demand growth in this group of countries is expected to account for 95% of global consumption growth in aggregate. The highest growth in oil demand is expected in Asian countries, which are Russia's main trading partners.

According to Igor Sechin, aggressive promotion of the green agenda means declaring an energy war on most of the world's population. “Overcoming energy inequality is impossible without reliable supplies of oil and gas. In addition to petroleum products, oil is used for the production of a huge number of day-to-day goods, without which the life of modern humans can no longer be imagined,” he said.

Throwing light on increasing talks on alternative energy resources, he said, “Despite huge investments made over the past decades, alternative energy sources have not led to the displacement of fossil fuels from the energy market and failed to occupy a significant share in the global market. At the same time, there is an imbalance in the energy market, which is caused by irresponsible and aggressive policies of the Western countries,” Igor Sechin said.

According to Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, “it is necessary to focus on the interests of the majority. The energy transition should be well-balanced and focused on addressing the interests of the majority that will ensure the growth of energy consumption in the coming years, i.e. developing countries.”

It will be interesting to note here that according to reports developed countries account for 65% of the cumulative emissions produced over the last 200 years; the world's 10% wealthiest population is responsible for half of all CO2 emissions; the world's 1% wealthiest population accounts for twice as much carbon dioxide emissions as the poorest 50% of the world's population.

Pointing out that the developed countries have contributed most to the climate crisis, Igor Sechin said “To achieve energy security, it is necessary to ensure the sufficiency, affordability and reliability of energy sources. Electric vehicles are not a panacea for all environmental challenges. Revision of electric vehicle subsidy policies demonstrates the lack of planning and haste with which Western countries initially approached electrification of vehicles. While they succeeded in attracting buyers with high subsidies a few years ago, Western governments are now planning to impose taxes on electric vehicles to plug budget holes,” said Sechin.

Over the past decade, Western technology giants have worked hard to demonize fossil fuels, shut down power plants that provide reliable electricity supplies, and promote unreliable renewable energy. “The growing demand for electricity on the part of data centers can no longer be met with existing capacity. Introduction of new technologies in the context of energy transition requires huge investments. In particular, the cost of transition to electric vehicles in large megacities is estimated in tens of billions of dollars,” he said.

There are no profit-making sources for the “green” transition, and its implementation is an illusion, which leads to withdrawal of investments from the traditional energy sector. That is, there will be neither, the Rosneft CEO said.

Igor Sechin added that “Now that the failure of the ‘green transition’ concept is evident, we have to develop a new strategy for a reliable and secure energy supply tailored to the needs of developing countries.”

In his speech, the Rosneft CEO also said that in recent years, the use of the dollar as an economic weapon, and the uncontrolled growth of the U.S. national debt have set in motion the process of de-dollarization. The growth of US national debt is one of the factors in undermining confidence in the dollar and shifting problems from the financial sector to the energy market and the rest of the world.