2005 - OPEC

forward to hosting the next EU-OPEC Dialogue Meeting in Vienna and expressed its confi-
dence that this Dialogue will serve to further enhance and strengthen cooperative relations
between producers and consumers. The Conference confirmed that its next Ordinary Meeting
is to take place in Vienna, Austria, commencing 19 September 2005, in a month when the
Organization will commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the OPEC Headquarters’ move to
Vienna with a series of events starting from 20 September 2005. The Conference expressed
its renewed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Austria and the authorities
of the City of Vienna for their continued warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements
made for the Meeting.
OPEC President sends message of condolence to Britain, after terror
attack
Vienna, Austria, 7 July 2005
The President of the OPEC Conference has sent a message of condolence to the British Gov-
ernment and people, following the terrorist attacks in London today. He also condemned the
attacks, which occurred at a time when the country was hosting the G-8 Summit, whose purpose
was to discuss crucial global issues, particularly affecting the plight of developing countries.
Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who is also Kuwait’s Minister of Energy, wrote in
a letter to the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair: “On behalf of OPEC, I am writing to convey
to you, Mr Prime Minister, and through you, to Her Majesty’s Government and to the people
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, our most heartfelt condolences
following the dastardly terrorist attacks which struck London earlier today.” OPEC’s deepest
sympathy went out to the families and friends of all those who had lost their lives or were
injured in this “senseless devastation”.
At the same time, Sheikh Al-Sabah added, “OPEC’s voice loudly joins the chorus of all those
who rightfully and vociferously condemn these repeated acts of terrorism.” OPEC observed,
“with enormous sadness”, that this tragedy had occurred at the same time as the Summit
of the G-8 leaders was meeting in Scotland to discuss crucial global economic issues re-
garding debt in developing countries and the alleviation of poverty, as well as trade and
the environment. Sheikh Al-Sabah reiterated OPEC’s continued readiness to work with both
developing and developed countries – producers and consumers alike – to ensure that such
acts were not allowed to disrupt stability in world energy markets, particularly oil market sta-
bility, which, he said, was so important to sustained economic growth and the advancement
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