The designated Emirati president for the upcoming United Nations COP28 climate talks, Sultan al-Jaber, forcefully denied allegations on Wednesday that his nation intended to use the summit to negotiate oil and gas deals.
Al-Jaber, who also leads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.(ADNOC), dismissed the claims from a BBC report, labeling them as an attempt to undermine the COP28 presidency just before the talks were scheduled to commence on Thursday.
Addressing a small group of journalists in a live news conference, al-Jaber refuted the allegations, emphasizing their falsehood and lack of accuracy.
He stated, “So please for once, respect who we are, respect what we have achieved over the years, and respect the fact that we have been clear, open, and clean and honest and transparent on how we want to conduct this COP process.”
Following his remarks, a news release sent to The Associated Press announced al-Jaber’s agreement to resign as the President of ADNOC.
Al-Jaber, who previously stated his career focus on sustainable development, project management, and renewable energies in July 2023, emphasized his commitment to transparency and honesty in conducting the COP28 process.
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
