Gazprom sets up shop in Qatar

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DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Establishing a representative office in Qatar gives Russian gas company Gazprom the opportunity to improve regional ties, said board chairman Viktor Zubkov.

Zubkov led a delegation to Doha to mark the opening of Gazprom's office in Qatar. He met with Qatari Energy Minister Mohammed al-Sada and leaders from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum to discuss Gazprom's regional ambitions.

"The countries of the Arabian Peninsula in general and Qatar in particular play an important role in today's global energy system," Zubkov said in a statement. "The representative office will contribute to stronger partnership ties and will provide an additional impetus to closer mutually beneficial cooperation with the states of the region."

Zubkov said Gazprom would focus on promoting natural gas as a vehicle fuel source from its office in Qatar.

Qatar ranks third in proven natural gas reserves and has increased its role in the European market by way of liquefied natural gas. Russia is first in the world in such reserves.