ISLAMABAD: Kuwait agreed on Tuesday to “explore new opportunities” to build strategic storage in Pakistan’s petroleum sector, according to a statement from the Petroleum Division, which added that the initiative could result in mutual benefit for both sides.

The assurance came during a meeting between Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi.

“Both sides discussed prospects for enhanced cooperation in the petroleum and energy sectors, especially refining, and agreed to explore new opportunities around building strategic storage in Pakistan that could bring mutual benefit to Pakistan and Kuwait,” the statement said.

It added that the meeting focused on regional developments and energy cooperation.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand collaboration in areas of common interest, it said.

For his part, the petroleum minister expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s government for its “timely facilitation and support in ensuring the safe despatch of vessel Khairpur, which reached Pakistan carrying diesel supplies during a challenging period”.

He highlighted that the vessel transported approximately 45,000 tonnes of diesel and 10,000 tonnes of jet fuel from Kuwait to Pakistan under special approvals, following disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

This would ensure the continuity of fuel supply and support the fulfilment of national energy needs, the statement quoted him as saying.

For its part, Islamabad has been leading efforts to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran.

Ambassador Almutairi appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts and stated that Kuwait “encourages its brothers in Pakistan to continue their constructive role for peace in the region”, the statement said.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026