1 MB pdf - Saudi Aramco

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGEhydrocarbon projects, optimal investments ininfrastructure all along the value chain, stewardship ofthe natural environment, and a vigorous program ofresearch and technology development. Above all, itmeans developing the company’s people, and ensuringthey have the skills, knowledge and expertise to excelin the years and decades to come.These activities were an integral part of Saudi Aramco’sefforts in 2006, and the company closed the year evenbetter positioned to seize the many opportunities thatlie ahead.For many decades, oil and gas have fueled the prosperityof countries and communities the world over, and havecontributed immensely to the development of SaudiArabia. Energy is essential in today’s world, and becauseSaudi Aramco is a substantial supplier of petroleum toso many markets across the globe, reliability is not simplya goal for the company, it is an imperative.I am proud to note that once again in 2006, SaudiAramco maintained its record of unmatched operationalreliability, meeting the energy needs of customersand consumers throughout the Kingdom and aroundthe world.But true reliability is not just a matter of presentperformance; it also involves taking the initiative andproactively addressing future challenges.For Saudi Aramco, this means an innovative approachto its domestic and international business activities,a well-planned and well-executed series of majorI would like to thank the Custodian of the Two HolyMosques, King ‘Abd Allah Ibn ‘Abd Al-‘Aziz Al Sa’ud,and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn ‘Abd Al-‘Aziz Al Sa’ud fortheir continued guidance and unwavering support, andto express my appreciation to my fellow members of theBoard for their sage counsel. I also wish to take thisopportunity to congratulate the company’s employeeson an outstanding year of achievement. In the end, itis these dedicated men and women who have enabledSaudi Aramco to take the initiative, and to meettomorrow’s challenges today.Ali I. Al-NaimiMinister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources,The Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaChairman of the Board of Directors,Saudi Aramco6 SAUDI ARAMCO