ISLAMABAD, May 16: US Under Secretary of State Kenneth I. Juster on Sunday held talks with Pakistani officials on the peaceful use of nuclear civilian technology and export controls, the foreign ministry said.

The cabinet approved on Wednesday a draft bill to tighten controls on the export of nuclear weapons technology. The draft bill, due to go before parliament, provides for imprisonment of up to 14 years, a maximum fine of Rs5 million, or both for offenders.

"Mr Juster appreciated Pakistan's efforts to streamline and strengthen its export control regime and welcomed approval of the new export control legislation by the cabinet," the ministry said in a statement issued here.

The foreign ministry's additional secretary for United Nations and economic coordination, Tariq Osman Hyder, who led the Pakistani team, underlined the need to explore cooperation between the two countries in the areas of peaceful use of civilian nuclear technology, dual use technology and civilian space technology, it said.

"Both sides agreed that the issues of industry and security were inter-related and required concerted and sustained bilateral efforts to create a salutary and enabling environment for the growth of international trade," it said.

The two sides agreed that they would continue their dialogue and cooperation in the realm of export controls. The move followed a UN Security Council resolution of last week aimed at keeping weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and black market traders.

Mr Juster conveyed Washington's appreciation for Pakistan's contribution to the war on terrorism. He is on a two-day visit to the country. Mr Juster invited Pakistan to attend the US commerce department's annual update conference this year on dual use export regulations and their implementation.

The conference would be followed up by a bilateral meeting on dual use licensing and enforcement issues, with consideration being given to a regular, structured dialogue on the subject. -AFP/APP