Islamabad: Pakistan and Australia have agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that mutual cooperation in the energy sector will promote economic development. He urged Australian companies to invest in Pakistan and expressed the government's commitment to fully support partnerships in the mining and energy sectors with Australia. The Minister highlighted the important reforms Pakistan has introduced for the development of the mining sector.

In his remarks, the Australian High Commissioner noted that Australian companies are interested in Pakistan's mineral sector. He acknowledged Pakistan's substantial economic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Neil Hawkins mentioned that the current account surplus and profit repatriation have restored international companies' confidence in Pakistan. Furthermore, he proposed a partnership in mining training between Australian universities and companies and Pakistani institutes.