ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, focusing on joint investment opportunities and better collaboration across the entire mineral value chain. This was decided during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, leading a Pakistani delegation to the forum, met Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef to discuss expanding bilateral engagement in mining, critical minerals, and downstream industries.
The Saudi minister welcomed Pakistan’s participation in FMF 2026, noting the growing global focus on mining and critical minerals.
He emphasized the strong potential for Pakistan-Saudi cooperation and assured that Saudi Arabia would provide its technical expertise and knowledge resources to help develop Pakistan’s mineral industry. He also called Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce a major strength.
Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in the minerals sector.
He said the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working toward collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey, and emphasized the vast mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, noting that the Reko Diq project represents only a fraction of Pakistan’s resource base. He identified fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing as promising areas for joint ventures.
The Pakistani delegation includes senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private-sector representatives, and leading mining stakeholders, including Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), OGDCL, Mari Energies, GHPL, FWO, PMDC, Saindak Metals, and Balochistan-based mineral companies, as well as specialized service providers.
PPL is coordinating Pakistan's participation in FMF 2026 in partnership with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). The theme, "Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution," emphasizes the country's rich geological resources, prominent mining projects, and investment opportunities. The Pakistan Pavilion will showcase these highlights effectively.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy welcomed the Pakistani delegation and pledged full support for Pakistan’s participation. He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, saying Pakistan’s presence at the forum would further strengthen longstanding bilateral relations.
During a visit to the Pakistan Pavilion, Minister Al-Khorayef commended the Pakistani team, particularly appreciating the pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact.
