Minster for Water and Power and Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif meets US Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz

Minster for Water and Power and Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif meets US Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz

The Minster for Water and Power and Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif met with the US Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz in Washington this morning. Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, Ambassador Richard Olson and other senior officials also joined the two Ministers during the meeting.

While reviewing the status of existing energy cooperation between the US and Pakistan, the two Ministers explored ways to further deepen and broaden cooperation in this important area. Both sides also expressed satisfaction that the Energy Working Group had agreed on a structured plan of bilateral energy cooperation and it’s decisions would be vigorously pursued for a meaningful impact. In this regard, the Minister for Water and Power also highlighted the importance Pakistan attached to the development of large hydroelectric projects which are crucial for industrial and agricultural development and for meeting energy needs of the country.

Secretary Moniz reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. Government to help Pakistan in overcoming the energy crisis and appreciated the energy policy and the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to end the energy crisis. He said Pakistan had huge energy resources whose development could bring about fast economic development and prosperity in the country.

Secretary Moniz also assured Minister Asif of continued U.S. support to Pakistan for the further development of renewable energy sector. The renewable energy projects, both sides agreed, would be crucial for the economic development of less developed parts of Pakistan.

January 28, 2014
Washington DC