The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed intense diplomatic activity in the energy sector, with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Energy, holding a series of bilateral meetings with several international officials, including representatives from Libya, Brazil, and the Hellenic Republic (Greece). These meetings are part of the Kingdom's strategy to strengthen international partnerships and expand cooperation in various fields of conventional and renewable energy.
Strengthening Arab cooperation with Libya
At the outset of these meetings, the Saudi Minister of Energy met with the Libyan Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr. Khalifa Rajab Abdul-Sadiq. Discussions focused on ways to develop bilateral cooperation in vital energy sectors. The talks extended beyond oil and gas to include modern energy technologies and solutions, and to enhance opportunities for joint investment.
This meeting is of particular importance given the two countries’ standing in global energy markets, as Libya seeks to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s long-standing expertise in developing the infrastructure of the energy sector, in addition to exploring opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy, which reflects the common Arab trend towards diversifying energy sources and achieving sustainability.
Strategic partnership with Brazil
In the context of engaging with major emerging economies, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with the Minister of Mines and Energy of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Alexandre Silveira. The two sides discussed prospects for future cooperation, reviewing opportunities in the electricity, renewable energy, and oil and gas sectors.
Brazil is a key partner for the Kingdom in the G20, and both countries possess enormous potential in clean energy and biofuels. The meeting focused on the importance of exchanging technical expertise and knowledge, which will enhance the two countries' ability to address global energy security challenges and develop more efficient and sustainable extraction and production technologies.
Activating the memorandum of understanding with Greece
Continuing the series of meetings, the Minister of Energy held an important meeting with the Minister of Environment and Energy of the Hellenic Republic, Stavros Papastavarou. The meeting addressed activating aspects of joint cooperation based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in the energy sector, which represents a cornerstone of economic relations between Riyadh and Athens.
The discussion touched on specific strategic issues, including clean hydrogen, electricity interconnection, and carbon emission reduction technologies. Carbon capture, storage, and reuse technologies were also explored—areas of great importance to the Kingdom within its Circular Carbon Economy initiative.
Strategic context and importance of meetings
These intensified efforts come at a time when Saudi Arabia is playing a leading global role in ensuring the stability of energy markets, in parallel with its tireless efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. Through these partnerships, the Kingdom seeks to localize modern technologies, attract foreign investment, and export its expertise in renewable energy and hydrogen, thus solidifying its position not only as an oil producer but also as a comprehensive global energy hub in all its forms.
