Meeting of Pakistan-US Energy Working Group
The Pakistan-U.S. Energy Working Group met at the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC today. Pakistan’s delegation was jointly led by Khwaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Water and Power and Defence and Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources. The delegation also included senior officials of the respective Ministries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, Embassy officials and representatives of provincial energy departments and agencies.
Mr. Amos J Hochstein , the Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs at the U.S. Department of State led the U.S. side in the talks, which were held in frank and friendly atmosphere. Senior officials of U.S. State Department, U.S. 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 Pak-U.S. 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 reflects 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 U.S. 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 U.S.-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 Sharif and President Obama in October 2015, the U.S.-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 U.S. 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 United States agreed on the U.S. and Pakistan Energy Cooperation Strategy, which sets priorities for the U.S.-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 to address global climate change. Pakistan delegation also held a round-table discussion with U.S. private sector energy companies.
March 30, 2016
Washington D.C
