WASHINGTON, March 31 (APP): The Pakistan-US Energy Working Group met
here to discuss the cooperation in the energy field as US officials appreciated the economic reforms agenda of the Pakistan’s government, including the reforms in the energy sector.
Pakistan’s delegation was jointly led by Khwaja Muhammad Asif,
Minister for Water and Power and Defence, and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi,
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, and included senior
officials of the respective ministries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas
Jilani, embassy officials and representatives of provincial energy departments and agencies.
Amos J Hochstein, Special Envoy and Coordinator for International
Energy Affairs at the US Department of State led the US side in the
talks, which were held in frank and friendly atmosphere.
Both sides reviewed the performance of the Energy Working Group
and expressed satisfaction at the pace of their bilateral energy cooperation. Both the countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their multifaceted partnership that reflects a shared
interest in increased economic ties and Pakistan’s stability and growth.
Announced by Prime Minister Sharif and President Obama in October
2015, the US-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership is building on
Pakistan’s existing clean energy resources, including hydro, natural
gas, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass, to significantly increase Pakistan’s power supplies over the next five years.
The US-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership is aimed at helping
Pakistan overcome its energy challenges by facilitating private
sector investment in clean energy to fuel Pakistan’s economic growth.
The two sides discussed the entire gamut of energy cooperation,
water issues, integrated energy planning and energy efficiency. Energy
forms the largest portfolio of US civilian assistance to Pakistan and
the continued cooperation has resulted in visible progress in the gas
and power sectors.
The US side appreciated the economic reform agenda of the
government of Pakistan, including the energy sector reforms. The two
sides agreed to work closely on CASA-1000 and TAPI gas pipeline
projects.
The United States and Pakistan are partnering to bring greater
private sector investment in clean power development that will promote growth and innovation in both countries, and help to address global
climate change.
The Pakistan delegation also held a round-table discussion
with US private sector energy companies.
Senior officials of US State Department, US Department of Energy, USAID, EXIM Bank, National Security Council (NSC), Department of
Commerce and Treasury also joined the meeting.