Amman, Sept. 16 (Petra) –Energy and Mineral Resources Committees of the Senate and the lower House of Representatives discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation and coordination.
This step aims to boost parliamentary performance, orchestrate efforts in addressing issues within the energy and mineral resources sector, and support the Kingdom's economic development process.
During a joint meeting on Wednesday, Farouk Hiari, Chairman of the Senate’s Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, called for activating "institutional" communication between the two panels, exchanging expertise and coordinating stances on priority national issues.
He said this vision is particularly "crucial," given the challenges facing the Kingdom's energy and mineral resources sector and the need to ensure "secure and sustainable supplies and optimally" develop and invest in mineral resources.
He noted that joint cooperation would contribute to developing the parliamentary oversight system, improving legislation quality and monitoring implementation of government plans and strategies related to the energy and mineral resources sector, which all align with the Economic Modernization Vision and the public interest.
In turn, Ayman Abu Hanieh, Chair of the lower House Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, underscored the importance of launching "practical" mechanisms for continuous coordination, exchanging studies, reports, and recommendations, and discussing sector challenges, aimed to establish investment opportunities.
He also highlighted the importance of conducting field visits to the sites of sector institutions and companies and supporting their operations, in accordance with applicable legislation.
According to a joint statement, the two sides discussed a slew of issues of mutual interest, mainly energy supply security, diversification of energy sources, and ways to develop renewable energy sector, enhance the efficiency of the electricity system, and boost investment in mineral resources and mining industries.
The two panels also went over means to strengthen public-private partnerships, support natural resource exploration and exploitation projects, review legislation governing the energy and mineral resources sector, and monitor performance of entities and institutions operating within the sector.
//Petra// AG
