Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation in mining & minerals

Publishing date: 13 January 2026

Published in: Business Recorder

Pakistan and Saudia Arabia agreed on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, with an emphasis on exploring joint investment opportunities and enhancing collaboration across the entire mineral value chain.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is currently in Riyadh leading Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as per a statement.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

The Saudi official appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum, noting that global focus has increasingly shifted toward mining and critical minerals.

He also highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan’s mineral sector.

“He also underscored Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a key asset.”

Federal Minister Malik reiterated the strong brotherly relations between the two countries and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation.

He shared that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working to collaborate with the Saudi Geological Survey, and highlighted the immense mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, of which Reko Diq is only a small part.

“He further noted that fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing also offer promising avenues for joint ventures.”

Meanwhile, During his visit to the Pavilion, H.E. Bandar Ibrahim appreciated the Pakistani team’s efforts, particularly the Pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact.

Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being organized by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion showcases the country’s rich geology, flagship mining projects, and investment opportunities, the statement said.

Moreover, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and extended full support for Pakistan’s participation.

“He commended the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, noting that Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2026 would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries,” the statement said.