ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani foreign ministry said on Tuesday Islamabad stood with Saudi Arabia and its leadership in the wake of criticism of a decision by OPEC+ to cut its oil production target by 2 million barrels per day.
OPEC+, the oil producer group comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plus allies including Russia, announced the production target after weeks of lobbying by US officials against such a move.
The United States has said the cut would boost Russia's foreign earnings and suggested it had been engineered for political reasons. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has said the decision was purely economic and was taken unanimously by its member states. His comments were backed by ministers of several OPEC+ member states including the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait.
"In the wake of statements made against the Kingdom in the context of OPEC + decision, Pakistan expresses solidarity with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the foreign office said. "We appreciate the concerns of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for avoiding market volatility and ensuring global economic stability."
The foreign office said Pakistan encouraged a constructive approach on such issues "based on engagement and mutual respect."
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz has said the kingdom was working hard to support stability and balance in oil markets, including establishing and maintaining agreements of the OPEC+ alliance.
The OPEC+ cut has raised concerns in Washington about the possibility of higher gasoline prices ahead of the November US midterm elections, with the Democrats trying to retain their control of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia over OPEC+ decision to cut oil output
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Pakistan expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia over OPEC+ decision to cut oil output
- US says cut would boost Russia's foreign earnings, claims it had been engineered for political reasons
- Saudi foreign minister says decision was purely economic and taken unanimously by its member states
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss regional situation, upcoming engagements
- Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan agree to stay in contact amid Middle East tensions
- The two officials speak ahead of Trump’s Feb. 19 Board of Peace meeting in Washington, DC
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed regional developments and upcoming international engagements with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a phone call on Saturday, according to the foreign office in Islamabad.
The conversation took place against the backdrop of deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. In September last year, the two countries signed a bilateral defense agreement that formalized decades of military cooperation and included a commitment to view aggression against one as an attack on both countries.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, forthcoming international engagements, and agreed to remain in close contact,” it added.
The two officials spoke at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the conflict in Gaza far from resolution amid ongoing ceasefire violations by Israel.
The region has also been on edge as the United States pursues nuclear negotiations with Iran, prompting regional states to call for diplomacy rather than new military flare-ups.
Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are participants in US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which is scheduled to meet on Feb. 19 in Washington.
Islamabad and Riyadh have consistently coordinated positions over regional and global issues.
The foreign ministry did not provide further details of the discussion.
