DUBAI, May 21 (Reuters) - National oil giant Saudi Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corp 2010.SE denied on Saturday they had any plans to merge their petrochemicals businesses after media reports on the possibility.

"The companies wish to clarify that they have no plans to pursue this option," they said in a joint statement.

"Both companies will continue to explore mutually beneficial opportunities to work together as partners and contribute to the continued growth and diversification of the kingdom's economy."

(Reporting by Reem Shamseddine via Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Mark Heinrich) ((sylvia.westall@thomsonreuters.com; Dubai Newsroom +971 56 216 6204; Reuters Messaging: sylvia.westall.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))