Poland charts broader oil, energy, and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia

Poland is expanding its crude oil imports from diverse regions, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a key partner, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said during a visit to Riyadh. He also noted that he described to officials in the Arabian Peninsula how Europe currently faces its challenges.

Morawiecki is scheduled to travel to Riyadh, where he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their discussions will cover energy cooperation, renewable energy, and Poland’s food exports.

Oil from Saudi Arabia

During the press conference, the prime minister underscored Saudi Arabia’s status as the world’s largest crude oil producer and exporter.

He noted that such a role can help stabilize oil prices and position Saudi Arabia as a crucial supplier for countries that rely on imports, including Poland.

He added that Poland is actively diversifying its oil sources globally.

For Poland, Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly important partner, he stressed.

The alliance with the US and the Polish position

Morawiecki also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s political role within its US alliance context.

The partnership is described as stabilizing the region and, at the same time, strengthening the United States while supporting policies that aim to secure stability in Central Europe and beyond.

He pointed out that he is articulating Poland’s stance alongside President Andrzej Duda, who is also engaging with Arab partners.

In Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, Poland is presenting its view on how European challenges should be understood today, Morawiecki emphasized.

Support for Ukraine

At the conference, Morawiecki confirmed that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was a key topic of discussion.

The prime minister thanked Saudi Arabia for its support for Ukraine, noting that the Saudi Foreign Minister recently visited Ukraine, which drew worldwide attention.

He said Saudi Arabia has provided Ukraine with financial assistance totaling PLN 2 billion, a level of help he described as significant. He also observed that the kingdom has consistently sought to maintain an even distance in its approach to regional affairs.

Morawiecki argued that one powerful nation cannot invade a neighbor and pretend that the action is purely political; such moves have broad consequences beyond any single region.

He added that Poland’s perspective—though different from those in the Arab world or in other parts of the world— has been recognized by leaders from across the globe.

“I am uplifted by this visit here”

The prime minister recalled U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Warsaw and said he discussed with President Biden how to present a united free-world position on Ukraine and Russian aggression on the world stage.

Morawiecki stressed that he is encouraged by the opportunities this visit created and the momentum it generated for Polish diplomacy.

“It is a country of great opportunities”

Morawiecki noted that, beyond the Saudi leadership, other ministers participated in the talks. He concluded that many areas for cooperation between Poland and Saudi Arabia remain open.

Saudi Arabia represents vast opportunities, he said. The country holds substantial capital and one of the largest investment funds in the world, along with influential companies that aim to invest not only in oil exports but in broader economic ventures as well. This creates a fertile ground for collaboration.

Among the cooperation areas cited by Morawiecki are food security. He highlighted Poland as one of the EU’s leading food exporters and suggested this could resonate well with Saudi partners, including Polish farmers and agribusinesses looking for new markets.

He expressed confidence that the door to exporting Polish agricultural products to Saudi Arabia has opened wider today and affirmed plans to coordinate with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister to engage with Saudi counterparts upon returning home.

Cooperation in the energy sector and the arms industry

Energy security remains a priority for Poland, the prime minister stated.

He noted that, thanks to Polish policies and the presence of Orlen in Saudi Arabia, Poland has moved away from Russian hydrocarbons and today relies largely on its own energy resources.

Poland aims to deepen ties with Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, recognizing significant potential for collaboration in energy and related sectors.

Morawiecki also expressed openness to cooperation in the defense industry. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in Polish defense capabilities, including Rosomak armored personnel carriers and drones, and both sides discussed strengthening security cooperation.

He mentioned promising future projects in smart cities and other advanced initiatives, noting that Polish IT firms could play a key role. He also highlighted the export potential of high-margin Polish IT services and the value of skilled Polish developers.

The discussions extended to tourism, with Saudi visitors showing strong interest in Poland, while Arab tourism to the region is becoming more attractive for Polish travelers.

Morawiecki concluded by praising Poland’s increasingly active diplomacy and its growing recognition on the global stage. He also noted Poland’s strong economic growth and low unemployment as factors highlighted during the talks in Saudi Arabia.