ISLAMABAD, July 19: The United States on Saturday assured Pakistan of increased cooperation in the energy sector to meet its growing energy needs.

The assurance was given by US Under-Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs Reuben Jeffery during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

A formal agreement to this effect will be signed between the two countries when Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani visits Washington later this month. Mr Gilani will also meet US Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman.

The agreement will encourage new energy investments and support energy development opportunities in Pakistan.

The under-secretary met Prime Minister Gilani and a number of senior officials and discussed possibilities to promote new investments in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sector.