Apr 01 , 2016
News
Pakistan, US discuss energy-related issues at Washington meeting
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-US Energy Working Group met at the US Department of State in Washington DC on Thursday.
Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi led the Pakistani delegation. Senior officials of the two ministries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, embassy officials and representatives of provincial energy departments and agencies were also present.
Amos J Hochstein, the 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 a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Senior officials of the US State Department, US Department of Energy, USAID, EXIM Bank, National Security Council (NSC), Department of Commerce and Treasury also joined the meeting.
Both sides reviewed the performance of the Pak-US Energy Working Group and expressed satisfaction at the pace of their bilateral energy cooperation. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their multifaceted partnership that reflected a shared interest in increased economic ties and Pakistan’s stability and growth. They 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.
As part of their cooperation, 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. Announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama in October 2015, the US-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership was 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 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.
Pakistan and the United States agreed on the US and Pakistan Energy Cooperation Strategy, which sets priorities for the US-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership through 2020.
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 address global climate change. Pakistan delegation also held a round-table discussion with US private sector energy companies.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk