ISLAMABAD: Kuwaiti energy firm Gulf Petroleum Exploration Pakistan (GPXP) is looking to expand investment in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration sector, the petroleum ministry said on Thursday, as Islamabad pursues reforms aimed at attracting capital and reducing its dependence on imported energy.

Pakistan has stepped up efforts in recent years to boost domestic exploration, modernize its aging refineries and open its gas and petroleum markets to greater private-sector participation, seeking to strengthen energy security at a time of heightened volatility in global supplies.

The investment discussions also come as Pakistan and Kuwait seek to broaden bilateral ties, with the two countries signing an agreement last month to expand military cooperation in areas including training, capacity building and border management.

“Pakistan and Kuwait are brothers, and our two countries share a longstanding relationship,” Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said after meeting GPXP Chief Executive Khaled Al Saati and company official Mosleh Al Otaibi, according to a ministry statement.

Malik welcomed the company’s interest and assured it of government support and facilitation for its expansion plans, the statement added.

GPXP, which already operates in Pakistan’s exploration sector, said it was keen to increase its investment and contribute further to the country’s energy development, according to the ministry.

No details were given on the scale, location or timing of any potential new investment.

Pakistan has been trying to revive investment in domestic oil and gas production as declining local supplies have increased reliance on imported fuels.

The government awarded 11 onshore oil and gas exploration blocks in February, with companies committing Rs8.66 billion ($31 million) in exploration investment, according to official figures. It is also moving ahead with a brownfield refinery upgrade program that officials say could unlock around $6 billion in investment.