Gas Exporting Countries Forum Issues Moscow Declaration at Eighth Summit

China News Service reported that the Gas Exporting Countries Forum held its eighth summit at the Moscow World Trade Center on the 27th. The summit concluded on the same day with the release of the Moscow Declaration, which reaffirmed the absolute and unshakeable sovereign rights of natural gas exporting countries over their natural resources. The declaration noted that natural gas plays a positive role across global power, industry, transportation, and livelihoods as an essential energy source and strategic raw material. Member countries of the forum have made important contributions to safeguarding global energy security as reliable suppliers of natural gas. Member nations expressed deep concern over the adverse impacts of geopolitical situations on the stability, security, and sustainability of the global natural gas market, while firmly opposing unilateral sanctions unauthorized by the United Nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Moscow Declaration is detailed and comprehensive, noting that member countries made immense efforts to reach the agreement. Putin considered natural gas vital for the long-term sustainable growth of the global economy and industry as an affordable and environmentally friendly resource.