US Energy Secretary Bill Richardson arrived Saturday in Riyadh for talks with officials on enhancing US-Saudi oil cooperation as well other topics, reported the Saudi press Agency (SPA).
The rich-oil country is the first leg in Richardson's tour that will also take him to Algeria, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Venezuela, reported AFP, quoting a statement by the White House as saying on Wednesday.
US President Bill Clinton asked Richardson "to continue his diplomatic efforts with major oil producing and consuming countries to increase world stocks, reduce market volatility and improve the market situation," the statement said.
The Emirati News Agency (WAM) reported Thursday that Richardson will arrive in the country next Sunday, adding that he will hold talks with minister of petroleum and mineral resources, Obeid bin Saif Al Naseri.
The agency added that both ministers would discuss the latest developments in the oil market.
Emirati sources told the agency that Richardson will try to persuade OPEC producers not to cut output on their next Wednesday meeting in Vienna.
OPEC is considering a decision to reduce oil production by 1.5 million barrels per day to prop up oil prices, which have recently witnessed a downtrend. The OPEC tour will be Richardson's last mission before the new US administration of President-elect George Bush takes over on January 20 -- Albawaba.com
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