Energy Secretary To Promote Cooperation on Four-Nation Trip

Bodman to discuss energy security in Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Hungary

U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman will promote greater international cooperation on energy security and related issues on a trip to Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Hungary during the week of March 13, the Department of Energy announced.

"This trip is a historic opportunity to achieve a more secure energy future, a cleaner environment and greater prosperity in Central Asia and Eastern Europe and in our world," Secretary Bodman said in the March 10 announcement.

In Russia, Bodman will attend G8 Energy Ministerial meetings in advance of the G8 Summit to be held later this year in St. Petersburg. The G8, or Group of Eight nations, comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia.

The U.S energy secretary will meet with senior officials in Pakistan as part of the follow-up to the Joint Statement to launch the United States-Pakistan Strategic Partnership. (See related article.)

In Kazakhstan, Bodman will meet with President Nazarbayev, as well as senior government officials, and American business leaders to discuss energy development, foreign investment and energy security.

In Hungary, Secretary Bodman will participate in a regional energy security meeting with ministers from Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, Austria and Croatia.

For more information, see U.S. Energy Policy.

Following is the text of the Energy Department announcement:

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United States Department of Energy
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
March 10, 2006

Energy Secretary Bodman to Promote Global Energy Security and International Energy Cooperation in Central Asia and Eastern Europe

WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman will travel during the week of March 13 to Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Hungary to promote global energy security and greater international cooperation on energy issues in discussions with senior government officials and American business leaders.

During his four-nation visit, Secretary Bodman will promote the use of technology to enhance energy resource development in the most efficient and environmentally responsible manner, expanded energy infrastructure, the benefits of transparent markets, and stable international investment climates.

"This trip is a historic opportunity to achieve a more secure energy future, a cleaner environment and greater prosperity in Central Asia and Eastern Europe and in our world," Secretary Bodman said. "Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Hungary are important international partners of the United States. I look forward to discussing the importance of affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound energy supplies while continuing to grow our economy and meet increasing global demand."

On March 16, 2006, Secretary Bodman will represent the United States at the G-8 Energy Ministerial meetings in Moscow, Russia. While there, the Secretary will promote a market-oriented investment approach, discuss strategies to mitigate energy supply disruptions, and reaffirm the importance of protection and strengthening of energy infrastructure. Secretary Bodman will encourage the development and deployment of clean energy technologies, including renewable sources and emissions-free nuclear power and facilitate energy efficiency and conservation by advancing the 2005 G8 Gleneagles agenda.

In Moscow, Secretary Bodman will meet with American business leaders and Russian government officials including Minister of Industry and Energy Viktor Khristenko and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev. The Secretary will also meet with new RosAtom Director Sergey Kiryenko to strengthen United States and Russian cooperation on nuclear security. Secretary Bodman will deliver remarks at the Carnegie Moscow Center on the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) which was launched earlier this year.

Secretary Bodman will visit Pakistan following President Bush's visit to Islamabad earlier this month where the President signed a Joint Statement to launch the United States-Pakistan Strategic Partnership. Secretary Bodman will hold high-level meetings with various Pakistani government officials to explore ways to meet Pakistan's growing energy needs and strengthen its energy security by utilizing clean energy technologies such as clean coal and renewable sources. The Secretary will meet with Foreign Minister Kurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Petroleum and Natural Resources Secretary Ahmed Waqar, Atomic Energy Chairman Engr. Parvez Butt, Water and Power Secretary Ashfaq Mehmood, and Alternative Energy Development Board Chairman Air Marshal (Ret'd) Shahid Hamid.

Secretary Bodman will also travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, to meet with President Nazarbayev, senior government officials, and American business leaders to discuss opportunities for long-term, stable development of its energy sector, and political stability in the region. He will also encourage Kazakhstan leadership as a strong proponent of nonproliferation and address the importance of regional energy supplies, developing and expanding energy infrastructure, and encouraging foreign investment.

In Budapest, Hungary, Secretary Bodman will participate in a regional energy security meeting with ministers from Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia as well as Austria and Croatia. Secretary Bodman will encourage energy security through greater energy efficiency, regional integration, renewable energy and new technologies, electricity and gas market reform. Secretary Bodman will also promote regional and global cooperation on expanded energy infrastructure.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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