Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, focusing on joint investments and collaboration across the mineral value chain, during talks held on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh.
The development came as Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik led a Pakistani delegation to the forum, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The meeting highlighted growing bilateral interest in mining and critical minerals at a time when global attention is increasingly shifting toward resource security and sustainable mineral development.
High-level talks on minerals cooperation
During the forum, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across exploration, processing, and downstream activities.
The Saudi minister welcomed Pakistan’s participation in FMF 2026 and noted the significant potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector. He said Saudi Arabia’s technical expertise and knowledge resources could support the development of Pakistan’s mineral industry, and described Pakistan’s young workforce as a key strength.
Pakistan highlights mineral potential and joint ventures
Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated the close ties between the two countries and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation. He said the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working toward collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey and pointed to the vast mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, describing the Reko Diq project as only a small part of a much larger resource base.
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The minister also identified fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing as additional areas offering potential for joint ventures between the two countries.
Broad delegation and pavilion at FMF 2026
The Pakistani delegation includes senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and mining sector stakeholders. Participants include Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), OGDCL, Mari Energies, GHPL, FWO, PMDC, Saindak Metals, and mineral companies from Balochistan, along with specialized service providers.
Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being organized by PPL in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion is showcasing the country’s geology, major mining projects, and investment opportunities.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy welcomed the delegation and expressed support for Pakistan’s participation, saying it would further strengthen bilateral relations. During his visit to the pavilion, Minister Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani team, particularly the pavilion’s design and presentation.
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