Islamabad:
Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, told American Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan had sought “a bilateral and stable” relationship “with Washington, highlighting” solid convergences “between the two parties on several questions.
Dar had discussions with Rubio in Washington at a first face -to -face meeting between the two best diplomats in the State Department after their many telephone conversations.
It was the first official meeting at the level of foreign ministers between Pakistan and the United States after several years, because the previous administration under President Joe Biden completely ignored Islamabad.
The meeting between Dar and Rubio came in the context of the thrust renewed by the two parties to reset their links often tainted with distrust. However, unlike all expectations, under the second term of President Trump, the relationship between the two countries has taken a positive start.
It was the help of Pakistan to stop and extradite 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.
The India-Pakistan conflict brought the two countries closer, while Trump has taken the credit several times for negotiating the ceasefire between the two South Asian rivals.
Then, in the midst of the Iran-Israel war, President Trump welcomed Marshal Syed Asim Mnir at the White House in an unprecedented decision that raised the eyebrows to New Delhi.
After the lunch of the army chief’s lunch 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.
A press release published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said when it arrived in the State Department, DAR was received by senior US officials. Pakistan ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, 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 progress in current Pakistan-US trade dialogue, 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.
Later in his message on X, the US Secretary of State said: “Today met the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss the expansion of bilateral trade and improve collaboration in the critical mineral sector. I also thanked it for Pakistan’s partnership in the fight against terrorism and preservation of stability regional. “
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.
