Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, with a focus on exploring joint investment opportunities and enhancing collaboration across the entire minerals value chain.
According to sources, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is leading the Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum 2026 in Riyadh, which is being hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. Sources said that on this occasion, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, during which both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the minerals and mining sector.
The Saudi official appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the forum and emphasized that global attention is rapidly shifting toward mining and critical minerals. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing full support for the development of Pakistan’s mineral sector through its knowledge and technical expertise. The Saudi minister also thanked Pakistan for its participation in the Future Minerals Forum and described Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a key asset.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed the strong fraternal relations between the two countries and emphasized Pakistan’s firm commitment to deepening cooperation further. Speaking during the discussion, he said that Pakistan’s Tethyan Belt holds immense mineral potential, of which the Reko Diq project is only a small part. He added that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working in collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey to enable modern, science-based exploration and development of mineral resources.
The federal minister further stated that the fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing sectors also offer significant opportunities for joint ventures between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He noted that such cooperation would bring mutual benefits to both countries.
Additionally, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki welcomed the Pakistani delegation and assured full cooperation for Pakistan’s participation. According to the statement, he praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and noted that Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2026 would further strengthen the long-term brotherly relations between the two countries.
