The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, held his first official telephone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, discussing bilateral links, economic cooperation and regional security, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The call marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since Rubio assumed its role as the first American diplomat.
“During the call, DAR reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen its partnership with the United States,” the statement said. DAR underlined increased cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and the fight against terrorism.
Rubio, in turn, expressed the desire of the United States to extend economic commitment, especially in sectors such as critical minerals. “He said that cooperation in the economy and trade would be the brand brand of future relations between the two countries,” noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The conversation also discussed the fight against terrorism. DAR underlined Pakistan’s efforts between 2013 and 2018, which Rubio recognized with appreciation, while reaffirming American commitment to improve cooperation against terrorism.
The two authorities also addressed the situation in Afghanistan, granting the need to resolve the issue of American military equipment left after the American withdrawal in 2021.
“DPM / FM DAR and Secretary of State Rubio agreed to stay in close contact and work together to advance the common interests of the two countries,” concluded the press release.
