© AFP/File photoQatar said that for years it had sought to supply Germany but discussions never led to concrete agreements
Germany said a partnership had been clinched, but Qatar stopped short of saying a deal had been finalised.
Russia is the largest supplier of gas to Germany, and German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has launched several initiatives to lessen his country's energy dependence on Russia since it invaded its neighbour Ukraine.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received Habeck on Sunday and the two discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector, the Emiri court said in a statement on Sunday.
Qatar said companies from both countries "would re-engage and progress discussions on long term LNG supplies," according to a statement by QatarEnergy, the state-owned oil and gas firm. LNG supply chains include natural gas production, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification.
A spokesperson for the German economics ministry in Berlin confirmed that a deal had been finalised.
"The companies that have come to Qatar with (Habeck) will now enter into contract negotiations with the Qatari side," the spokesperson said.
In a statement, Qatar said that for years it had sought to supply Germany but discussions never led to concrete agreements.
Comment: Now, Germany, as with the US and UK, are scrambling to find an alternative supply after sanctioning themselves out of the market.
Germany has recently announced plans to build two LNG terminals. With no terminals currently, Germany cannot receive direct shipments of LNG from Qatar.
Habeck also met Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in Doha, where they discussed energy relations and cooperation between Qatar, one of the world's top natural gas exporters, and Germany and ways to enhance them, according to a statement from Al-Kaabi.
Is that correct?
Now if you sign a deal with me are you going to claim some sort of.....what the hell is the word for it.....whatever.....make some sort of claim that it was out of your control that and the contract had to be cancelled? What the hell is that called - don't know why I can't remember it just know - oh wait....force majeure....
Is that what you will call it?
I call bullshit on that - you done it to your last supplier you could do it to me after much expense and labor transition setting up the infrastructure to provide the fuel.
So, if you want a contract with me, the price will be set at the spot price in the market - no dollars accepted. Payment will only be via hard currency backed by either gold or silver.
How bad do you want the gas?
BK