Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, with a particular emphasis on promoting trade and economic cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office, Secretary Rubio made a phone call to the prime minister during which both parties maintained an exchange of “warm and cordial” opinions on regional and bilateral matters.
During the conversation, the prime minister appreciated what he described as the “bold and decisive leadership” of President Donald Trump by facilitating the high fire between Iran and Israel.
He also expressed his gratitude for Washington’s role in helping to ensure a high fire between Pakistan and India.
Read more: Pakistan, to finish the commercial agreement next week
The leaders also discussed the situation in evolution in the Middle East, with Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment 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 disposition of the United States government to continue with close coordination.
The exchange occurred as both countries move to revive economic ties in the midst of changing geopolitical alignments.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance said that Pakistan and the United States had resolved to conclude commercial conversations next week after a meeting between the Minister of Finance, Muhammad Aurengzeb, and the Secretary of Commerce of the United States, Howard Lutnick.
Negotiations, focused on reciprocal rates, are part of the broader efforts of Islamabad to avoid the steep duties of the United States in Pakistani exports and to restore relations with Washington in a more commercially based base.
Separately, both countries of this week were organized with a web seminar aimed at promoting investment in the Pakistan mineral sector, with a particular emphasis on the Reko Diq Copper-Gold project. Senior officials of both governments, together with US private investors, discussed regulatory reforms and public-private associations.
The US Export Bank is currently reviewing financing proposals for a value of between $ 500 million and $ 1 billion for a possible investment in the Reko DIQ project.
