Pakistan and Kuwait on Tuesday agreed to explore new opportunities for strategic oil storage and expand cooperation in the petroleum and energy sectors, including refining projects.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi, according to a statement issued by the Petroleum Division.

The two sides discussed regional developments, bilateral ties and future energy cooperation.

During the meeting, the petroleum minister thanked the Kuwaiti government for facilitating the safe dispatch of the vessel “Khairpur”, which delivered fuel supplies to Pakistan during disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the statement, the vessel carried around 45,000 tonnes of diesel and 10,000 tonnes of jet fuel under special approvals granted during the regional crisis.

Malik said coordinated efforts led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ensured the vessel safely reached Pakistan and helped maintain fuel supplies.

The minister said Pakistan remained committed to regional peace and stability, adding that the effects of the ongoing conflict were being felt beyond the Middle East.

The Kuwaiti envoy praised Pakistan’s peace efforts and said Islamabad had earned renewed respect internationally because of its “responsible stance”.

Both sides also discussed expanding cooperation in refining and agreed to examine opportunities for building strategic petroleum storage facilities in Pakistan for the mutual benefit of both countries.