Pakistan decides to side Saudi Arabia over its tension with US

Riyadh is at odds with Washington over cutting oil supplies on the international market.

Despite the OPEC+ decision that will create more problems for Pakistan's struggling economy, Islamabad has decided to side with Riyadh.

Pakistan on Tuesday took a crucial decision to support Saudi Arabia, which has clashed with the United States over cutting off oil supplies in the international market.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, it was said, “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.”

“We appreciate the concerns of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for avoiding market volatility and ensuring global economic stability,” it added.

The tension comes after Saudi Arabia and Russia, which lead the OPEC+ cartel, have cut crude oil supplies by 2 million barrels per day to stem a fall in crude prices amid fears of a recession in global markets.

The United States expresses a strong reaction to the OPEC + decision. President Joe Biden announces a review of bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia. Following the announcement, US President Joe Biden vowe to impose "consequences" on Saudi Arabia for supporting Russia in cutting oil production target.

Biden has visited Saudi Arabia in July to meet leaders of oil rich Gulf countries including Saudi de facto ruler Muhammad bin Salman as part of his efforts to persuade for increase in oil supplies. He has met MBS despite his condemnation in the election campaign because of his alleged role in the murder of a Saudi American journalist Jamal Khashoggi. With his visit to Saudi Arabia he has expressed opitmism that Saudi Arabia would increase the oil supply in global market.

Due to ongoing conflict between Ukrain and Russia, the supply chain is disrupted and the Americans are facing a hike in gas and petrol prices.

Biden wants Saudi Arabia to increase the oil supply in order to lower the prices at home. His concern can be viewd in the light of crucial midterm elections in the US, due in November 2022. The Saudi crown prince instead backed a move to cut oil supplies. The OPEC + decision makes whaite house to rethink about its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

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Interestingly, just like the White House Pakistan was too hoping for a fall in the international crude oil prices because that would have provided the beleaguered government with some source to provide relief to the inflation-hit people.

But despite the OPEC+ decision that will create more problems for Pakistan's struggling economy, Islamabad decided to support Riyadh.

"Pakistan encourages a constructive approach to these issues based on engagement and mutual respect. We reiterate our long-standing, brotherly and enduring relations with Saudi Arabia," the foreign ministry said.

Pakistan's decision to support Saudi Arabia comes at a time when President Biden's statement on the safety of the country's nuclear program has sparked a diplomatic spat.

While addressing a Democratic fundraiser in California on Thursday, President Biden has surprised everyone with his storm triggering remarks about Pakistan. “What I think, maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world is Pakistan,” he says. And then he explaines why he thinks Pakistan is dangerous: “Nuclear weapons without any cohesion.”

Both opposition and government leaders reject his comments and reiterate Islamabad's position that Pakistan has a strong command and control system and its nuclear assets are completely secure.

After Pakistan's strong response, the Biden administration seeks damage control as a State Department spokesperson says the United States is confident in Pakistan's ability to secure its nuclear program.