Pakistan, US pledge stronger counterterrorism cooperation, eye mining and energy investment

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and promote investment and partnerships in the mining, minerals and energy sectors, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pomeroy, attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, US Ambassador Natalie Baker, the federal secretary of interior and senior officials.

According to the ministry, the US official condemned recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta and expressed condolences to the victims. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, the regional security situation and cooperation in internal security and counterterrorism.

Naqvi said global cooperation was essential to combat terrorism and described ties with Washington as important. He welcomed US investment in Pakistan’s mining, minerals and energy sectors and assured American investors of the safest possible operating environment.

Pomeroy said the United States attached great importance to its relationship with Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to promote investment and partnerships in Pakistan’s mining, minerals and energy sectors, the statement said.

Separately, China and Saudi Arabia have also expressed interest in Pakistan’s mining and minerals sector, which officials say could potentially boost the country’s exports by billions of dollars annually. Last month, China conveyed interest in investing in mining, minerals and gemstones during talks in Islamabad on exports, manufacturing, industrial policy and sector development. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have earlier agreed to strengthen cooperation in mining, including joint investment opportunities and collaboration across the mineral value chain.