Pakistan Expresses Interest in Sharing Expertise with Bangladesh on Energy Security and Crisis Management

Pakistan has offered to share its experience and skills with Bangladesh to tackle the unprecedented energy crisis across the world. The crisis follows the ongoing clashes in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main routes for energy supply. Nearly one fifth of all oil used in the world passes through this strait.

Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik met Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Mr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir in Islamabad yesterday. The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka shared this news in a statement today. Geo TV reported the matter.

The statement said the representatives of both countries discussed the changing world energy situation and its effect on the international market. They also talked about the steps each country has taken to keep energy supply steady. Both sides described their plans to reduce the harm of this global crisis on their economies and to keep energy flowing without a break.

At the meeting, Mr. Malik explained the steps his government has taken to keep energy supply running during this crisis. He also spoke about the targeted energy subsidies that give relief to common people and help them handle the shock of the crisis.

Mr. Titumir described the steps Bangladesh has taken to secure the country’s energy and handle the situation. He said the present crisis has made energy security the most important matter in setting national energy policy. He stressed the need to bring variety to energy sources and supply routes so the country can face any global shock.

The Bangladeshi adviser praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to end the war situation in the Middle East centred on Iran. He said easing the war is very important for the stability of the world economy and the energy market, because the crisis is badly shaking the global market. He also praised Pakistan’s successful efforts to keep liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Qatar safe through the Strait of Hormuz despite very hard conditions.

Mr. Malik called the situation an “unprecedented energy crisis”. He said advance preparation, wider sources of energy and regional cooperation are very important to face such global disasters. He showed interest in sharing with Bangladesh the lessons and experience Pakistan has gained in strengthening energy security and managing the crisis.

Both countries gave special importance to keeping up their contact and the exchange of experience. They said this will help build strength against any future global supply crisis and help them face shared energy challenges together.