U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is set to embark on a visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates next week to focus on “climate cooperation” and other key issues, according to President Joe Biden administration officials.
The visit is scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Thursday, beginning with Jennifer Granholm’s visit to the UAE, marking her inaugural trip to the region since assuming office as secretary.
Officials highlighted the visit as a continuation of longstanding engagement between the United States and the Middle East, emphasizing the Department of Energy’s commitment to advancing climate cooperation and energy diversification initiatives in collaboration with both countries.
During her visit, Jennifer Granholm will participate in a meeting of the Net-Zero Producers Forum, a coalition comprising nations responsible for 40% of global oil and gas production, including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The forum focuses on strategies to reduce emissions through measures like methane abatement and the adoption of clean energy solutions.
While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are members of OPEC engaged in discussions about extending output cuts, Jennifer Granholm’s discussions during the Net-Zero meeting will not specifically address oil policy, as clarified by one of the sources.
Separately, ongoing discussions between the President Joe Biden administration and Saudi Arabia include negotiations regarding U.S. security guarantees and civilian nuclear assistance. However, these talks, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, are distinct from Jennifer Granholm’s agenda for the upcoming trip.
The visit underscores the President Joe Biden administration’s commitment to fostering international collaboration on climate action and energy transition efforts, with Jennifer Granholm playing a pivotal role in advancing these objectives during her visit to the region.
