ISLAMABAD, Mar 13, 2006 -- Xinhua

 

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to explore ways to meet Pakistan's growing energy needs to strengthen its energy security, according to a joint statement issued here Monday.

"The two sides also affirmed their commitment to establish an energy working group," said the statement, released after talks between the U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman with the Pakistani leadership.

The U.S. energy secretary met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and held an expanded delegation-level meeting with Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri.

Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said at the weekly press briefing that Bodman had invited Pakistan to send a team to Washington to discuss how the two countries can work together in energy cooperation.

"This will also help identify steps that can be taken to attract more American investment," she said.

The United States will also discuss with Pakistan the importance of an investment climate that will accelerate new energy investments, the statement said, adding that it would encourage further exploration of energy development opportunities for Pakistan.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan side briefed the U.S. delegation on the country's energy needs and the possible alternative sources including hydro, gas, coal nuclear and renewables.

She said that the U.S. private sector could play an important role in helping Pakistan achieve its energy objectives and the United States would consult with its energy sector on Pakistan's energy needs.

The spokesman said that the visit of Secretary Bodman symbolizes the strengthened and expanded relationship between the two countries over the last five years.

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