Indian Oil Minister Hails Qatari-Indian Cooperation

Doha, December 07 (QNA) - Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Jaipal Reddy today praised the 'distinguished' relations between his country and Qatar in the oil and gas sector. In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the nature of the relations between Qatar and India, Jaipal said ''they are deeply rooted historical ties dating back to fifty years and enhanced by common economic interests that contributed to their promotion and development''. The Indian official said that India is seeking more gas supplies from Qatar and there are talks under way in this regard. He noted that Qatar, which he said had proved its ability as a "generous host" to the 21st World Petroleum Congress, which was held for the first time in the Middle East under the slogan: ""Energy Solutions for All ... innovation and investment in the energy sector ... Jaipal added that the current session of the Congress contributed to the promotion of dialogue between energy producers, distributors and consumers to look forward to the future of oil, gas and energy, and to come out with a comprehensive vision benefiting all participants in their future plans. Earlier in the day, the Indian minister gave a speech at the seventh plenary session in which he said the recovery of the global economy from the current state of slowdown in growth may take a long time. He said that his country, which is the fourth largest consumer of energy in the world, seeks to maintain strong growth and address the instability of the global energy market. He stressed the importance of deepening the dialogue between the energy producing and consuming countries in order to reduce market fluctuations. (QNA)