U.S. to overtake Saudi as top oil producer: IEA

Source: Reuters (Read full story)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said it saw a continued fall in U.S. oil imports with North America becoming a net oil exporter by around 2030 and the United States becoming almost self-sufficient in energy by 2035.

“The United States, which currently imports around 20 percent of its total energy needs, becomes all but self-sufficient in net terms – a dramatic reversal of the trend seen in most other energy importing countries,” it said.

The forecasts by the IEA, which advises large industrialized nations on energy policy, were in sharp contrast to its previous reports, which saw Saudi Arabia remaining the top producer until 2035.

GCC ministers sign major security agreement

Source: Gulf News (Read full story)

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Under the treaty, each GCC country is bound to take legal action — based on its own legislation — against citizens or residents who interfere in the domestic affairs of another member. The member countries will exchange information and expertise to combat all forms of crime.

The treaty was endorsed by the GCC leaders at their annual advisory summit to promote collective security among the six member states.

The initial security agreement was announced in Manama in December 1994, but only Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman endorsed it. Qatar followed in 2009.

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KSA: Unify efforts to end Syria crisis

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

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The Saudi minister was addressing the Second Arab-European Ministerial Meeting and said such a commitment was essential to begin the process of the transfer of power on the basis of a clear and explicit resolution by the Security Council of the United Nations.

Prince Saud said he looked forward to more European efforts in the direction of unifying international will to tackle the Syrian crisis and provide the necessary support at a political, security and humanitarian level under a common position to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations.

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