VERONA, ITALY- The target of net zero emissions by 2050 adopted by many countries is "not realistic", Qatar's foreign minister told a conference on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister, said his country was increasing the capacity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to 2026 for more than 50% of current levels.

"Qatar has invested $30 billion in expanding LNG since it's the only way for a smooth energy transition, which needs a lot of factors," he said.

(Reporting by Stephen Jewkes, editing by Giulia Segreti) ((Giulia.Segreti@tr.com; +39.06.80307714;))