Relations between major western economies and the Gulf States have cooled in recent years as the energy transition has gathered pace. Many GCC capitals have been frustrated by growing calls for divestment from oil and gas, while European states and the US which have cut their energy imports from the region have placed less priority on the relationship.
There has been a jarring reassessment of this trend since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. Energy security has surged to the top of the political agenda in Europe especially, as governments have sought to cut imports of Russian oil and gas. This has inevitably led to the Gulf being touted as a replacement source. (CONTINUED - 1140 WORDS)
