In the midst of tensions between western nations, Russia, and Ukraine, US President Joe Biden is looking to tackle possible repercussions in terms of energy for European allies. Biden hosted Qatar’s emir today, marking the first visit by a Gulf State leader since the US leader was sworn in.
Biden hosted Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the White House this week, with both leaders discussing energy backups for European countries who are already hit with rising energy prices in case Russia decides to cut off the supply. The Sheikh will also be meeting Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, members of Congress, and other officials.
To note, Qatar is one of the biggest liquid natural gas exporters in the world, and Washington and Europe hope that Doha could temporarily redirect exports made for Asian markets to get through possible disruption by Russia. However, Qatar has very little to no extra capacity in its liquid natural gas, and there are limitations as to how much supply can be diverted from existing contracts.
A senior US official made it clear that they are only consulting with leading gas suppliers in the world ahead of the meeting between Biden and the Sheikh.
Qatar also plays an important role in the region for the US as host for the Defense Department’s Central Command. Qatar also served as the diplomatic contact of the US to the Taliban in Afghanistan following the evacuation back in August 2021. Doha also plays a role in efforts to restart the nuclear deal with Iran.
In other related news, Biden issued a statement condemning the ongoing coup in Myanmar as it has now reached one year since the military took control of the government and detained its leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and other officials. The US leader reiterated his condemnation of the ongoing coup and called on the junta to release its detained officials and allow humanitarian workers access.
Biden reiterated that sanctions would remain imposed on Myanmar unless the military regime decides to cease its attacks on civilians and release prisoners deemed wrongfully detained.
“As long as the regime continues to deny the people of Burma their democratic voice, we will continue to impose further costs on the military and its supporters,” said Biden.