Riyadh (TDI): Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, met the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 happening in the Saudi capital from January 13-15.
Minister Malik is leading the Pakistani delegation at the Forum, which has been organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of KSA.
In the meeting, the discussion “focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain,” as per a handout of the Energy Ministry of Pakistan.
The Saudi Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum. He noted how mining and minerals have now taken a center stage in world economy and business relations.
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“He 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.”
Minister Al-Khorayef also acknowledged that Pakistan has a young and dynamic workforce, which is an asset for the country.
Malik 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.
Earlier, prior to the formal opening of the Forum, Al-Khorayef visited the Pakistan Pavilion and praised it as one of the most visually impactful features of the event. He appreciated the Pakistani team’s efforts, particularly the Pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact.
Highlighting its marked improvement over previous editions, he described the pavilion as a premier platform for the global mining community.
With the opening of the Forum, the Pakistan Pavilion, themed “The Mineral Marvel,” has attracted strong interest from international investors.
Organized by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) as the lead partner on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, the pavilion features interactive exhibits and the newly launched National Minerals Data Center, a digital portal aimed at modernizing mineral governance and promoting investment in Pakistan’s mining sector.
