Saudi Energy Minister: 'East-West' Pipeline's Strategic Value Exceeds Current Circumstances
Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, stated that throughout its history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has faced significant challenges, but has always demonstrated its ability to overcome them with determination and resolve. He emphasized that “fear has no place in the Saudi lexicon” and affirmed that the Kingdom is continuing to implement the objectives of Vision 2030 and build a more prosperous future for coming generations.
Speaking at the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh on Monday, he added that Saudi Arabia represents an exceptional model of rapid economic and developmental transformation. He noted that he is unaware of any other country that has achieved such a degree of transformation within a short period, a feat that places upon the Kingdom the responsibility to continue working to ensure a better future for its children and grandchildren.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed that Riyadh’s hosting of this global event reflects its status as the “capital of energy security.” He pointed out that the attendance of senior officials and experts from around the world is evidence of the international confidence the Kingdom enjoys, as well as its ability to ensure the safety and security of its guests even amid current regional circumstances and challenges.
He clarified that the convening of the conference comes at a time when the importance of international dialogue and cooperation is increasing. He explained that the risks facing the global energy system have not ended; rather, they require further joint efforts and collective responsibility to maintain supply security and market stability.
He said that the Kingdom has recently tested the resilience of its infrastructure, the efficiency of its institutions, and its ability to respond swiftly to changes. He noted that the flexibility achieved was not a product of the moment, but the result of decades of investment in infrastructure, transport networks, supply chains, and human capital development.
He added that the East-West Pipeline, whose strategic value transcends the current circumstances, stands as a prominent example of the Kingdom’s long-term strategic vision. It provides an alternative route for oil transportation and enhances Saudi Arabia’s capacity to supply global markets with energy even under exceptional conditions. He stressed that the speed with which operational activities are restored after facing risks is the result of planning, investment, and accumulated expertise, foremost among which are the capabilities possessed by Saudi Aramco.
He affirmed that resilience is not limited to infrastructure alone, but also includes building a strong national industrial base and local supply chains capable of supporting the energy sector under various conditions. He pointed out that the localization programs launched by the Kingdom, such as the “Iktifa” and “Nsanad” programs, and the Ministry of Energy’s initiatives to localize energy-related industries, have contributed to enhancing local content and developing national capabilities.
He noted that Aramco announced achieving a 70% local content rate in its purchases of goods and services, reflecting the success of the Kingdom’s efforts in building an integrated industrial system capable of supporting energy security and enhancing crisis response.
He clarified that human capital remains the most crucial pillar in achieving operational resilience. He emphasized that pipelines and power plants do not resume operations automatically; rather, they rely on national competencies and technical and engineering expertise capable of addressing challenges, restarting operations, and ensuring the continuity of supplies.
He said that the Kingdom’s strategic strength is not based solely on its natural resources, but also on its expertise, knowledge, human capabilities, and firm will. He pointed out that the resilience of the Saudi energy sector positively reflects on the reliability of global energy supplies, and its benefits serve the global economy, industry, and consumers worldwide.
He added that achieving energy for all in the future cannot be realized without ensuring energy security for all, emphasizing that supply security and an orderly, realistic energy transition must go hand in hand, while taking into account the differing circumstances, resources, and development needs of countries.
He affirmed that the Kingdom will continue to invest in all reliable energy sources, alongside expanding renewable energy, electricity grids, storage, gas, and infrastructure. It will also continue to develop emissions-reduction technologies, strengthen local industries and national supply chains, and invest in human capital.
He pointed out that recent events have underscored the importance of preparedness and capacity-building before crises occur, clarifying that a clear vision alone is insufficient; it must be accompanied by advance planning, the development of solutions, institutional readiness, and the ability to respond swiftly to changes.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed that the Kingdom is firmly committed to achieving the targets of Vision 2030, continuing to invest in the energy sector and industrial infrastructure, enhancing citizen prosperity, and developing international partnerships. He affirmed that these commitments will not be affected by current challenges.
