Pakistan, France to deepen energy ties

Envoy notes seamless fuel supply despite volatile regional markets

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with French Ambassador Nicolas Galey to discuss the evolving regional situation, energy security and avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the energy and mining sectors.

The ambassador lauded Pakistan's effective handling of petroleum supply challenges in the region. He praised the government for ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability and maintaining stability despite volatility in regional markets.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz highlighted that Pakistan's decisive, proactive and coordinated response enabled the country to navigate the crisis successfully thus far. He emphasised that the government had adopted a strategy of prioritising supply continuity over price shock, ensuring availability of petroleum products while also protecting the liquidity of the supply chain.

The minister shared that an effective mechanism had been established for swift inter-ministerial decision-making in response to changing supply chain dynamics. He added that diplomatic efforts, led by Pakistan's senior leadership, helped secure petroleum supplies through alternative channels at critical moments.

The ambassador reaffirmed that Pakistan and France enjoy strong bilateral relations and energy cooperation had expanded in recent years. He observed that French companies had expressed growing interest in Pakistan's mining sector and voiced optimism that French firms would actively participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.