Pakistan on Tuesday threw its weight behind longtime ally Saudi Arabia amid an ongoing row over global oil production cuts.
“In the wake of statements made against the Kingdom in the context of (the) OPEC + decision, Pakistan expresses solidarity with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The statement was issued by the ministry amid increasing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the US, with the latter strongly opposing the proposed oil production cuts by the kingdom, calling it a “moral and military support” for Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Riyadh, for its part, has denied that its actions were politically motivated, claiming that it was seeking to ensure market stability.
Pakistan’s reaction comes days after US President Joe Biden expressed “doubts” over the safety of Islamabad’s nuclear program.
“We appreciate the concerns of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for avoiding market volatility and ensuring global economic stability,” the statement said.
Islamabad has stated that it encourages a “constructive” approach to such issues based on engagement and mutual respect.
“We reaffirm our long-standing, abiding and fraternal ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.
On Oct. 5, Saudi Arabia, which chairs the OPEC+ cartel, voted in favor of reducing output by about 2 million barrels per day, with the White House alleging that it not only lent its support but also worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the bloc implemented them, putting pressure on other nations to fall in line.
While President Biden has vocally criticized the kingdom and warned of impending consequences, he has not revealed the nature of his response.
The cut also comes almost a month before the US midterm elections, which Democrats appear vulnerable to losing because higher gas prices in a country with rampant inflation are unlikely to boost their electoral prospects.
-AA