ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia after criticizing the decision of the OPEC Plus alliance of the United States to reduce oil production.
In a statement released by the Foreign Office spokesperson, it has been said that we appreciate the concerns of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to avoid fluctuations in the market and ensure global economic stability.
The spokesman said that Pakistan encourages a constructive approach on such matters based on dialogue and mutual respect.
Pakistan's move to support Saudi Arabia comes at a time when President Biden's statement questioning the security of Pakistan's nuclear program has sparked a diplomatic row, but Islamabad rejected Biden's concerns. And even summoned the US ambassador and registered a formal protest.
The Biden administration has sought damage control after Pakistan's strong response, as a State Department spokesman said the United States has confidence in Pakistan's ability to secure its nuclear program.
Saudi Arabia and Russia, which lead the DRAPEC plus alliance (cartel), have recently decided to reduce the supply of crude oil by 2 million barrels per day to avoid a drop in oil prices in the global markets due to the fear of a global economic recession. The United States has reacted strongly to OPEC Plus' decision to announce President Joe Biden's review of bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, as the Ukraine conflict has disrupted supply chains and increased crude oil prices. Americans have also been affected by the rise in petrol prices.
Biden wanted Saudi Arabia to increase oil supplies to help lower prices in the country ahead of key midterm elections, but the Saudi crown prince instead backed the move to cut oil supplies.
Western observers believe that Saudi Arabia has clearly sided with Russia because the only benefit from rising oil prices will be Russian President Vladimir Putin. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar visited Washington.
According to observers, although the purpose of these visits was to restore relations with the United States, Pakistan is not ready to compromise on its core interests and this was reflected in the United Nations General Assembly meeting, where Pakistan expressed its neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine dispute. Maintained the position.
It should be noted that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Plus, including Russia, agreed to cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day during a meeting in Vienna this month.