“…Today, we join together, in spirit, with Saudis across the Kingdom – from Riyadh to Jeddah, from Makkah to Madinah as families, dear friends and loved ones gather to celebrate the magnificent cultural heritage and rich history of the Kingdom”
By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, has extended his sincere congratulations to the leaders and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of their 91st National Day, saying that the country has continued to play a key role in the Organisation.
Barkindo, in a letter addressed to the Kingdom’s Minister of Energy, HRH Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman, on Thursday, particularly noted Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering cooperation within the OPEC family.
“On behalf of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), I have the honour of extending our sincerest congratulations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, Amirul Muminin, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the People of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the joyous occasion of the Kingdom’s 91st National Day, celebrated today, 23 September.
“Today, we join together, in spirit, with Saudis across the Kingdom – from Riyadh to Jeddah, from Makkah to Madinah as families, dear friends and loved ones gather to celebrate the magnificent cultural heritage and rich history of the Kingdom. On this festive occasion, we extend our heartfelt best wishes for good health, success and prosperity.
“As a founder member, Saudi Arabia continues to play a key role in the Organisation, through its astute guidance, diplomatic nous and keen expertise. Through 61 years of OPEC’s rich history, your esteemed country has fostered cooperation within the OPEC family, and with partners on the global stage, thus strengthening OPEC’s role, and helping enhance its reputation within the global oil industry.
“We remain indebted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the expert leadership and continuous guidance it has provided and continues to provide in support of the OPEC-non-OPEC Declaration of Cooperation (DoC). This pioneering global energy cooperation continues to provide a vital undercurrent of stability in the global oil market. The instrumental role of Saudi Arabia was clearly visible during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we jointly succeeded, through this notable framework, to take bold and swift decisions that resulted in the largest and longest production adjustments in the history of our industry, restoring stability to a highly volatile oil market.
“Saudi Arabia continues to inspire us with its forward-looking plans to adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics brought on by the energy transition through the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI). The innovative solutions set out in this ambitious plan will help support an inclusive and fair energy transition towards greater sustainability.
“I am confident that, together, based on our shared values, we are headed towards an era of growth and prosperity that will be beneficial to both producers and consumers.
“Allow me to conclude by reiterating our warmest congratulations to the government and the great people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as you celebrate this special 91st National Day,” the letter read.