Saudi Arabia assures Pakistan of continued cooperation on energy security

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

During the meeting, Malik thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued support in helping Pakistan meet its energy needs. He specifically acknowledged what the statement described as the special treatment extended to Pakistan in petroleum supplies, saying it had played an important role in addressing the country’s requirements during challenging times.

Both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation in the petroleum sector and exchanged views on expanding long-term collaboration in energy. The discussions also covered efforts under way between the two countries at the technical level.

The Saudi ambassador reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to assisting Pakistan in dealing with its energy security challenges and assured continued cooperation in this area, the statement said.

Recent technical-level consultations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were making positive progress toward long-term cooperation. The two sides are also working closely to explore a range of refinery upgradation and investment projects.

Focus on long-term partnership

Malik reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen its strategic energy partnership with Saudi Arabia, particularly with Aramco. He also appreciated what the statement described as the kingdom’s longstanding support and cooperation.

The minister said the government was working to meet the energy needs of the people of Pakistan and that Saudi support in this regard was highly valued.

According to the statement, the meeting also touched on broader regional matters. The Saudi ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and regional stability and acknowledged the country’s continued efforts to foster stability in the region.

The engagement reflects continued contact between Islamabad and Riyadh on energy cooperation, with both sides indicating interest in sustaining collaboration in petroleum supplies as well as pursuing longer-term investment and refinery-related initiatives.

The statement did not specify any new agreement or financial commitment announced during the meeting, but said both countries remained engaged on multiple fronts in the energy sector. The recent technical consultations were moving forward positively and that work was continuing on possible projects linked to refinery upgrades and investment.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long maintained close ties, and the latest meeting underscored the importance both sides attach to energy cooperation as Pakistan seeks to address its energy requirements and strengthen long-term arrangements in the sector.