Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed on Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, particularly emphasizing the increase in trade and economic cooperation.
According to a statement published by the Prime Minister’s office, Secretary Rubio made a telephone call to the Prime Minister during which the two parties held an “warm and cordial” exchange of views on regional and bilateral issues.
During the conversation, the Prime Minister appreciated what he described as the “daring and decisive leadership” of President Donald Trump to facilitate a cease-fire between Iran and Israel.
He also expressed his gratitude for the role of Washington by helping to guarantee a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
Learn more: Pakistan, United States to finalize the trade agreement next week
The leaders also discussed the evolution of the situation in the Middle East, the PM Shehbaz reaffirming the commitment of Pakistan to play a constructive role in the progress of peace and stability in the region. In response, secretary Rubio recognized Pakistan’s efforts and expressed the will of the United States government to continue the close coordination.
The exchange came while the two countries change economic ties in the midst of changing geopolitical alignments.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance said that Pakistan and the United States had decided to conclude commercial negotiations next week following a meeting between the Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and the US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lunick.
Negotiations, by focusing on reciprocal prices, are part of Islamabad’s wider efforts to avoid steep American tasks on Pakistani exports and to reset relationships with Washington on a commercially founded basis.
In addition, the two countries co-organized this week a webinar this week to promote investments in the Pakistan mineral sector, particularly emphasizing the Reko Diq project in Copper-Gold of several billion dollars. High officials of the two governments, as well as private American investors, have discussed regulatory reforms and public-private partnerships.
The American Export-Import bank is currently examining the financing proposals worth $ 500 million and $ 1 billion for a possible investment in the Reko Diq project.
