WASHINGTON, DC – Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today visited Pakistan, the first stop in his four-nation swing where he will discuss ways that the U.S. and Pakistan can increase cooperation on energy-related issues.  The Secretary’s visit follows President Bush’s pledge earlier this month to hold a high-level meeting between U.S. and Pakistani officials to collaborate on solutions to Pakistan’s energy sources.

 

“The U.S. and Pakistan are strong allies and America supports the people of Pakistan as they take further steps to create prosperity through innovation, energy, resource development, and global trade,” Secretary Bodman said.  "The U.S. recognizes the growing energy needs of Pakistan and today's constructive meetings have highlighted areas where we may further enhance collaboration as part of our strategic partnership.”

 

In meetings with senior Pakistani officials, Secretary Bodman discussed how the U.S. can further support Pakistan’s efforts to utilize new energy technologies including clean coal, and renewables and increase energy efficiency.  They also discussed ways that Pakistan can attract investment to help meet their energy objectives including expanding the energy infrastructure to meet growing demand.  Secretary Bodman encouraged Pakistan to develop its role as a gateway to South Asia through improved trade and energy linkages and through continuing cooperation with international financial institutions and with regional neighbors.

 

During his visit to Islamabad, Secretary Bodman held high-level meetings with Foreign Minister Kurshid Mahmud Kasuri and various Pakistani government officials including Petroleum and Natural Resources Secretary Ahmed Waqar, Atomic Energy Chairman Engr. Parvez Butt, Water and Power Secretary Ashfaq Mehmood, and Alternative Energy Development Board Chairman Air Marshal (Ret’d) Shahid Hamid.

 

The Secretary highlighted U.S. and Pakistan’s ongoing cooperative efforts which include renewable energy resource assessments by the National Renewable Energy Lab.  These assessments, which are funded by the USAID’s South Asia Regional Initiative-Energy, have encouraged the development of high resolution wind and solar resource maps which are developing Pakistan’s renewable energy resources, increasing access to clean energy in Pakistan, and increasing regional energy cooperation.

 

President Bush traveled to Islamabad in early March where he signed a Joint Statement to launch the United States-Pakistan Strategic Partnership.  The U.S.-Pakistan strategic partnership is based on the shared interests of the two countries in building a stable and sustainable democracy and in promoting peace, security, stability, prosperity, and democracy in South Asia and across the globe.

 

Later this week Secretary Bodman will travel to Kazakhstan, Moscow where he will lead the U.S delegation to the G8 Energy Ministerial and on to Hungary.