Pakistan, US discuss expanding energy and economic cooperation

Pakistan and the United States on Thursday discussed expanding cooperation in the energy sector and enhancing bilateral economic engagement during a meeting between Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and S. Paul Kapur.

According to an official statement, the meeting was also attended by Natalie A. Baker.

The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest with particular focus on cooperation in petroleum, energy infrastructure and investment opportunities.

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During the meeting, Kapur said Pakistan and the United States remained important partners for each other and noted that the current momentum could be translated into a stronger economic partnership.

Ali Pervaiz Malik briefed the US delegation on reforms being introduced in Pakistan’s energy sector aimed at indigenisation, improving efficiency and creating an investor-friendly environment.

He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in port infrastructure, storage facilities, refinery upgradation, exploration and minerals development.

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The minister said Pakistan had imported around six million barrels of crude oil from the United States for the first time, describing it as a positive development in bilateral energy cooperation.

He added that close ties between the Pakistani and American leadership provided a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in strategic sectors.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in capacity-building initiatives to strengthen institutional and technical capabilities in the petroleum and energy sectors.

The meeting concluded with both countries expressing commitment to maintaining close engagement and enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest.