Islamabad: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the energy sector, following a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting focused on avenues for strengthening bilateral ties in energy, amid geopolitical challenges affecting fuel availability. The Federal Minister briefed Baker on Pakistan’s measures to ensure energy security, highlighting the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel supplies. He emphasized ongoing cooperation efforts, including Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme, which he noted could attract investment from US financial institutions.

Baker congratulated Pakistan on maintaining an uninterrupted fuel supply despite regional challenges and expressed the US’s willingness to work closely with Pakistan to address its energy needs. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities for US companies and expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts, which she noted would be mutually beneficial.

The meeting also included briefings from the Managing Directors of Pakistan State Oil and Pakistan LNG Limited, who shared the interest shown by US companies in supplying LNG to Pakistan. Minister Malik invited US companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, highlighting the investment opportunities available in the country. Malik expressed appreciation for US support and underscored that enhanced bilateral engagement would contribute to Pakistan’s long-term energy security.