Dar is looking for a “stable relationship” with us by meeting Rubio

Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan had requested a bilateral “enlarged and stable” relationship with Washington, highlighting the “strong convergences” between the two parties on several questions.

Dar had discussions with Rubio in Washington at his first meeting face to face the State Department, after several telephone conversations.

A press release published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that in his arrival in the State Department, Dar had been received by senior American officials. Pakistan ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed, accompanied him during the visit. High officials on both sides have also joined the talks at the delegation.

Discussions have focused on bilateral relations and cooperation prospects in several sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology and minerals.

The two parties have examined the progress of the ongoing trade in Pakistan-US, expressing optimism on positive developments. DAR underlined Pakistan as an attractive destination for American companies and investors.

On regional security, the leaders discussed cooperation against terrorism and broader peace efforts. Dar praised President Donald Trump and American leaders for their efforts to promote world peace, in particular appreciating the role of the president in the midst of recent Pakistani-Indian tensions.

Secretary Rubio recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and appreciated his positive role in the promotion of regional and global peace.

DAR reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for extended and stable bilateral relations, stressing that there is a strong convergence of views and interests shared between the two countries on regional peace and stability. He also appreciated the role of the American Pakistani community as a “bridge” between the two nations.

The two leaders have reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral links and improve institutional cooperation in various sectors, expressing determination to work together for long -term stability and prosperity.

This marked the first official meeting at the level of the Minister of Foreign Affairs between Pakistan and the United States in several years, because the previous administration under President Joe Biden had largely ignored Islamabad.

The meeting between Dar and Rubio came in the context of a thrust renewed by the two parties to reset their links, which have often been spoiled by distrust. Unlike expectations, under President Trump’s second term, relations between the two countries have taken a positive turn.

It was the help of Pakistan in the arrest and extraditation of one of the brains of the attack on Kabul airport in August 2021 which led to the reset of links with the United States. President Trump publicly congratulated Pakistan’s efforts in his first speech at the American Congress.

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The India-Pakistan conflict has also brought the two countries closer, while Trump went on several occasions for negotiating the ceasefire between the two South Asian rivals.

Then, in the midst of the Iran-Israel war, President Trump welcomed the chief of staff of the army (COAS), Marshal Syed Asim Mnnir at the White House in an unprecedented decision that raised the eyebrows in New Delhi.

After the meeting of the army chief at the White House, there were increased contacts between the two countries. On Friday, the meeting in Washington was considered the pressure of Pakistan to relaunch the structured mechanism between the two countries.