For the first time: Meeting between the energy ministers of the three countries • Purpose of the meeting: Cooperation and dialogue in the fields of gas, oil and renewable energies • Steinitz: "Many opportunities for the Israeli economy"
The Minister of Energy, Dr. Yuval Steinitz, yesterday (Monday) attended the first meeting of its kind held in Abu Dhabi with the Energy Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the United States - Suhail Muhammad Faraj al-Mazrui, Muhammad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad and Dan Broit.
Archive photo: GPO
As part of the historic meeting, the ministers established a new platform for a joint dialogue in the fields of oil and natural gas, electricity, energy efficiency, renewable energies, research and development, with the intention of sharing in the future more countries in the region with Israel.
The meeting is intended to create collaborations in the field of energy, within the framework of the Abraham agreements recently signed under the leadership of the US administration.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the ministers discussed the way in which the relations between the two countries "could revolutionize national security, economic prosperity and the introduction of content in peace agreements, including investments in research and development in the field of energy, infrastructure and technology."
The meeting followed the joint statement issued by the countries in October, which supports the development of a strategic vision for an energy partnership that will lead to innovation and prosperity.
The states have also stated that they are committed to joining hands in the effort to find solutions to the energy challenges facing the Palestinians, through the development of energy sources, electricity infrastructure and technology.
Recently, joint working groups have been established and set up between Israel's energy ministries and the United Arab Emirates, relating to several key areas that are on the energy agenda, and which will promote professional cooperation.
The first meeting dealt with the issue of natural gas and fuels and the potential for future collaborations in these areas.
During the meeting, the parties presented the current situation, achievements and developments in this field over the past decade.
Among other things, the representatives of the ministries discussed reducing pollutant emissions in energy production, digitizing processes and participating in tenders for the development of economic water.
Common challenges
A second working group dealt with renewable energies and innovation, during which the representatives discussed the goals and objectives of each country in these areas and the future and common challenges they can promote together, such as technology development in storage, hydrogen and advancing joint research and development projects.
The Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Energy updated on Israeli developments in these areas.
Another working group, which will deal with cyber protection issues for energy infrastructure, will convene in the coming weeks.
Energy Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz said: "The historic meeting is a significant and important milestone that will lead to the promotion of joint processes between us and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the US in various energy fields. The new platform we have created will allow more countries "Prosperity for the citizens of the area. The Avraham agreements opened up many opportunities for the Israeli economy and its security."