ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States on Thursday agreed to promote partnership in the mining, minerals and energy sectors.

According to a handout from the interior ministry, 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.

During the meeting, the US official said that the country attached great importance to its relationship with Pakistan. He condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta and expressed condolences to the victims.

The interior minister welcomed US investment in the mining, minerals, and energy sectors and assured that American investors would be provided with the safest possible environment in Pakistan.

‎During the meeting, Pakistan–US bilateral relations and the regional situation were discussed, along with ways to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, particularly in the field of internal security.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that global cooperation was essential in the fight against terrorism, and relations with the US were of key importance in this regard.

He emphasised that Pakistan believed in global partnerships to eliminate terrorism and promote investment.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, US charge d’affaires Natalie Baker, Interior Ministry Secretary Khurram Agha and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Earlier this month, Pakistan participated in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the US Department of State, as Islamabad sought to expand foreign investment and forge strategic partnerships in the minerals and energy sectors.