http://ocininitiative.maeda1.jp/Oct2019NewSaudiOilMinisterEnglish.pdf
(Arabic Version)
(Japanese Version)
October 2019
1.
Saudi prince was assigned to Energy
Minister
New Minister AbS graduated from University of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (now KFUPM) in Dharan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1982. Since then he has been working as an specialist in energy. He had an experience as a director of Arabian Oil Company, a joint venture with Japan, and also worked at the OPEC headquarter. In 2015 he was appointed as deputy minister of Energy. He assisted Minister Al-Falih, who was the schoolmate in KFUPM and lifelong colleague. His 40 years of experience in the oil industry is perfect and he has a wide connection in the oil industry at home and abroad. Nobody could underestimate his career.
However, it would be the most serious and subtle problem for AbS that how to communicate with MbS who is his younger brother-in-law but is now a de facto dictator of Saudi Arabia. The oil matters are now closely related to international political issues; Cooperation between OPEC+ (plus) countries such as Iran of OPEC member, or Russia of non-OPEC colleague. The United States is not only a rival as the world's largest oil producer[3] but also US is an indispensable ally. New energy minister AbS has to confront complex diplomatic mechanics.
2.
How about the personality of AbS?
When AbS made his first debut as oil minister at the Abu Dhabi Oil Conference last month, he seemed to be moderate gentleman. OPEC Secretary General Barkind appreciated that AbS was well experienced and knowledgeable man and never emotional[4]. However, you should not trust Barkind’s diplomatic appraisal. It was shown at press conference just after his appointment. He mentioned the days with his predecessor Al-Falih in a voice tinge with emotion[5].
AbS often explains his oil policy with pedantic expressions quoting Western literature or topical dramas. For example, at the press conference mentioned above, the prince quoted the popular British TV drama “Upstairs, Downstairs”. He said “I would like to serve for the country and the king in the downstairs kitchen.” Also, when he was asked that Saudi Arabia would become an energy importer in 2030, he replied that he was not wasting his time to discussing La La Land scenario. And he recently expressed that Aramco has revived like a phoenix against drone attacks to its oil facilities[6]. It was inappropriate for the Saudi oil minister who influences the world energy.
If the prince steadily realizes the oil policy, there will be no problem at all. But when he is not able to perform his responsibility, he will lose his trust at home and abroad. He will fade out if continuing ambiguous and pedantic expression. He should be more pragmatic oil man.
(Cont’d)
Your comment on this matter would be highly appreciated.
By Areha Kazuya
E-mail: Arehakazuya1@gmail.com
[1] Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman appointed Saudi Minister of Energy
2019/9/8 Saudi
Gazette
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/576685/SAUDI-ARABIA/Prince-Abdulaziz-bin-Salman-appointed-Saudi-Minister-of-Energy
[4] Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman’s oil diplomacy makes mark at
Opec+ meeting debut
2019/9/13 Gulf
News
https://gulfnews.com/business/energy/saudi-prince-abdulaziz-bin-salmans-oil-diplomacy-makes-mark-at-opec-meeting-debut-1.66398765
[5] Oil output deal is here to stay, new Saudi minister vows
2019/9/9 Arab
News
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1551986/saudi-arabia
[6] Saudi energy minister says oil output to be fully restored by end
of the month
2019/9/17 Arab
News
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