Washington; In a significant step toward reinvigorating bilateral ties, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a high-level meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C.
This marked the first in-person meeting between the two senior officials, following previous telephonic exchanges aimed at resetting and deepening the strategic dialogue between Islamabad and Washington.
The meeting, held at the U.S. Department of State, was attended by senior members of both delegations, signaling the importance both nations attach to revitalizing their multifaceted partnership. Senator Dar was warmly received by American officials and was accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.
Statement release by the foreign offices states that the talks focused on a broad range of topics central to the bilateral relationship, including trade and economic cooperation, investment promotion, technological exchange, agriculture, and mineral development. Both sides emphasized the need to harness untapped potential in these sectors to foster mutual growth.
A major portion of the discussions also revolved around counter-terrorism collaboration and strategies to maintain peace and stability in South Asia and beyond. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s critical sacrifices in the global war on terror and its continued constructive role in ensuring regional security. He commended Islamabad’s efforts to promote peace, especially in light of the ongoing challenges in neighboring Afghanistan.
Senator Dar, for his part, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation with the United States and highlighted the convergence of interests between the two countries, particularly in fostering regional peace and prosperity. He noted that Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the U.S. and sees it as an essential partner in its economic and development goals.
Dar also praised past American efforts, including those of President Donald Trump and other leaders, in supporting global peace, specifically referencing the U.S. role in diffusing past tensions between Pakistan and India. He stressed the importance of maintaining a forward-looking approach to diplomacy based on shared objectives and mutual respect.
In the context of economic cooperation, Dar underlined Pakistan’s immense potential as an investment destination, pointing to its large consumer market, youthful workforce, and strategic geographic location. He expressed hope that ongoing progress in the Pakistan-U.S. Trade and Investment Dialogue would lead to more tangible outcomes, opening up new avenues for bilateral trade.
He also highlighted the positive role of the Pakistani-American diaspora in bridging cultural and economic ties between the two nations, calling it a vital link in sustaining long-term engagement and understanding.
As the meeting concluded, both Senator Dar and Secretary Rubio reaffirmed their joint commitment to expanding structured cooperation across multiple sectors. They agreed to maintain momentum through continued dialogue, institutional mechanisms, and people-to-people exchanges to ensure durable and resilient ties between Pakistan and the United States, statement concluded.
