Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has said that Pakistan has imported 6 million barrels of crude oil from the United States for the first time, while Pakistan has opportunities for joint work in the oil and gas exploration and minerals sector.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with US Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapoor, and US Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Natalie Baker were also present on the occasion. A statement issued after the meeting between the Federal Minister for Petroleum and the US Assistant Secretary of State said that Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik informed about the reforms in the energy sector, where it was agreed to explore more opportunities for cooperation in the petroleum and energy sectors.
The US Assistant Secretary of State said that Pakistan and the US have always been important to each other, and the recent warmth of relations can be transformed into a strong economic partnership. Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that for the first time, Pakistan has imported 6 million barrels of crude oil from the United States.
Regarding energy sector reforms in Pakistan, he said that energy reforms aim to reduce dependence on local resources, improve efficiency, and create a conducive environment for foreign investment. He said that there are possibilities for cooperation in port infrastructure, storage facilities, and refinery upgradation; there are also opportunities for joint work in the oil and gas exploration and minerals sector.
Ali Pervez Malik said that the close relations between Pakistan and the US leadership are a strong foundation for promoting cooperation.
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