UAE Energy Minister: OPEC’s Role is Key in Stabilizing Global Oil Market

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and a number of OPEC energy ministers (WAM)
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and a number of OPEC energy ministers (WAM)
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UAE Energy Minister: OPEC’s Role is Key in Stabilizing Global Oil Market

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and a number of OPEC energy ministers (WAM)
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and a number of OPEC energy ministers (WAM)

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei stressed on Saturday the significant and pivotal role played by OPEC and the OPEC Plus alliance to serve the interests of producers and consumers alike, and promote sustainable investment in the energy sector.

The Minister emphasized that joint teamwork is always a source of positive results and a pillar of strength for cooperation and unity, the Emirates News Agency, WAM said.

In remarks he made at the OPEC’s 60th anniversary celebration held in Iraq’s Baghdad, Mazrouei indicated that the main goal of OPEC is based on ensuring market stability and achieving a balance between demand and supply, hence supporting global economic growth.

The Minister pointed out that Iraq's hosting of the celebration is an affirmation of strengthening and consolidating the spirit of joint action to achieve stability in the global oil market.

On Friday, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC Plus alliance only target market stability, including the benefit of producers, the petroleum industry and the concept of energy security.

OPEC had announced that the OPEC Plus alliance decided, during its June 4 meeting, to adjust the bloc’s production level to 40.4 million barrels per day, starting from January 2024, for a period of one year.

On the same day, Saudi Arabia announced an additional voluntary cut in oil production, amounting to one million barrels per day, starting in July, for a renewable month, while other producers, including Russia and Iraq, announced an extension of previous cuts.

 



Presidential Election: A Crucial First Step toward Saving Lebanon from Economic Crisis

The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
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Presidential Election: A Crucial First Step toward Saving Lebanon from Economic Crisis

The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)

Since 2019, Lebanon has faced one of its worst economic crises in modern history, affecting all aspects of life. The local currency has lost over 95% of its value, driving inflation to record levels and making goods and services unaffordable. Poverty and unemployment have surged.
Amid this, political divisions have paralyzed government action, preventing any effective response to the crisis.
The recent war with Israel added to the burden, causing huge human and material losses estimated by the World Bank at $8.5 billion. This has made Lebanon’s economic and social struggles even harder to resolve, with no president in place to lead the country.
The presidential post in Lebanon has been vacant since President Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, leaving the country without a leader to address growing economic and financial issues.
This vacancy has stalled government formation, making it difficult for Lebanon to negotiate with international donors like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which demands major reforms in exchange for aid.
Choosing a new president is now a critical priority, not only to regain local and international confidence but also to begin the long-needed reforms.
One major challenge the new president will face is the reconstruction effort, which is estimated to cost over $6 billion. This is a huge financial burden that will require significant resources and effort to secure funding.
Reconstruction in Lebanon is not just about fixing infrastructure or repairing damage; it is a key test of the country’s ability to restore its role on the regional and international arena.
To achieve this, Lebanon needs a president with a clear vision and strong international connections, able to engage effectively with donor countries and major financial institutions.
Without credible and unified political leadership, Lebanon’s chances of gaining external support will remain limited, especially as international trust has been shaken by years of mismanagement and lack of reforms.
Keeping Lebanon’s deepening crises in mind, the people are hoping that electing a new president will offer a chance for economic and political recovery.
The new president, along with a strong government, is expected to rebuild trust both locally and internationally and restore political stability—key factors for stopping the economic decline and encouraging growth.
For instance, reviving Lebanon’s vital tourism sector will require better security and restoring confidence in the country as a safe place for investment.
This can only happen with political leadership that has a clear plan for reconstruction and necessary reforms.
Given Lebanon’s ongoing financial struggles, the new president’s ability to address these challenges will be critical to rescuing the country and guiding the economy toward recovery and sustainable growth.