Islamabad: Pakistan and Australia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors. This understanding was reached at a meeting between Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, Timothy Kane informed the Minister that Australian companies are already working on the Reko Diq project, while more Australian firms are keen on joining the project. He stated that the Australian High Commission is facilitating the participation of Australian companies in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.

The Australian High Commissioner also highlighted the availability of opportunities for technical assistance and knowledge sharing in the gemstones sector.

Welcoming the growing interest of Australian companies in Pakistan's mining sector, Ali Pervaiz Malik proposed an intergovernmental agreement between Pakistan and Australia to enhance collaboration in the mining sector.