Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed regret on Saturday at a lack of attention to Middle East conflicts, as the West pushes them to show more solidarity with Ukraine.
Neither oil kingpin Saudi Arabia nor gas-rich Qatar, both close to the West but with ties to Russia, have taken a strong position for or against Moscow since it invaded Ukraine last month.
Europe and the US hope the two countries will boost oil and gas production to help reduce Western reliance on Russian supplies.
“The future of Europe rests with your efforts,” he told the audience that included the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan appeared to support the Qatari position.
“The engagement of the global community… now and then, it’s quite different,” he said at the forum.
But I think you have to have a much better conversation with the rest of the global community,” he said, addressing US and European officials at his side. »