US is fully supportive of Pakistan’s efforts to increase its gas supply and diversify its fuel mix through LNG imports
UNITED STATES: I was deeply disappointed by The Express Tribune’s publication of the news report “Unfriendly ties: US turns down Pakistan’s demand for LNG supply” (July 11). Contrary to what the report conveys, the US places no curbs on LNG exports to Pakistan. In fact, the US is fully supportive of Pakistan’s efforts to increase its gas supply and diversify its fuel mix through LNG imports. The US does not engage in state-to-state LNG deals with any country because all gas supply in the US is owned and traded by the private sector. Pakistan, like any other country, is free to negotiate with any US private-sector company for LNG supply. We have strongly encouraged Pakistani officials to do so. The absence of a free trade agreement with Pakistan is not an impediment to such deals.
We have worked hard to create opportunities to increase bilateral energy trade. Over the last year, we have organised a trade mission and a study tour to Houston to help inform Pakistani officials and companies. We have also delivered technical assistance for the acquisition by Pakistan of LNG infrastructure and supply. 8The US is firmly committed to helping Pakistan address its energy crisis and natural gas shortage, and LNG imports along with increased domestic exploration are important ways of doing so. We support Pakistan’s efforts to secure the best deal it can negotiate for LNG supply, whether that deal is with a US company, a foreign company, or a foreign government.
Embassy officials briefed journalists, including those from The Express Tribune, on June 25 to correct misinformation that had appeared in previous reports/articles on this subject. I ask that you publish this letter prominently in your next edition in an effort to correct the record and to convey to your readers that the Unites States strongly supports Pakistan’s efforts to purchase LNG. As always, we remain available to any of your reporters who are interested in seeking the US position on any issue regarding the vital US – Pakistan relationship.
Richard G. Olson
Ambassador of the United States of America
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2014.
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