HE Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who is also Kuwait’s Minister of Energy, wrote in a letter to the British Prime Minister, Mr 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 Group of Eight Leaders was meeting in Scotland to discuss crucial global economic issues regarding 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 stability, which, he said, was so important to sustained economic growth and the advancement of global prosperity.

And he affirmed that OPEC stood ready to assume its responsibility and to work with others for the stability and security of the oil market.