Kuwait is in discussion with Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring Arab countries to construct a major crude oil export pipeline that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait's Oil Minister Tariq Al Roumi told Japan's Kyodo news agency that the proposed pipeline project aims to secure alternative export routes. Options under consideration include connecting Kuwait through Saudi Arabia to ports on the Red Sea or Oman, as well as linking directly to the UAE's port of Fujairah. Kuwait is currently studying the best and most cost-effective option to begin construction of the strategic pipeline.