Pakistan, US to hold energy dialogue

Islamabad, June 25 (UNI) Pakistan and the US will hold energy dialogue in Washington tomorrow to look into the former's growing energy needs.

''An inter-Ministerial delegation, led by Pakistan's Advisor to the Prime Minister on Energy Mukhtar Ahmed, will represent the country while the US side will be led by Assistant Secretary in the Department of Energy Karen Harbert,'' Pakistan's foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam told a press briefing in Islamabad.

The Pakistan delegation will hold discussions with officials at the Department of Energy, visit relevant US laboratories and energy facilities, and will meet with representatives of the private sector to discuss ways of promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of energy.

When asked whether Pakistan will seek cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, she said, ''Pakistan's position is well-known and we will make our point once again.'' On being asked whether it will have any impact on the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline deal, Ms Aslam said Pakistan was pursuing multiple options to meet its energy needs.

The Pakistan-US Energy Dialogue was announced during the US President George W Bush's visit to Islamabad in March 2006.

Pakistan-US Joint Statement of March 4 committed the two sides to form an energy working group to explore ways to meet Pakistan's growing energy needs and strengthen its energy security.

The two sides also agreed to work together for public and private collaboration on a broad range of energy resources.

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