Washington/ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday met US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., where the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest.
During the warm and cordial meeting, both sides appreciated the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US bilateral relations over the past year and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in trade, economy, culture, counter-terrorism, and security, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson.
Exchanging views on evolving regional and global developments, Ishaq Dar expressed admiration for President Donald Trump’s vision and commitment to peace, particularly highlighting his support for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and the dispatch of a high-level delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance to Pakistan for the Islamabad Peace Talks.
Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediatory efforts and commended the continued engagement and coordination between Pakistan’s leadership and the U.S. administration.
The deputy prime minister expressed confidence that Pakistan’s sincere efforts, supported by friendly countries, would continue to contribute positively toward regional and global peace and stability.
During the talks, Dar also appreciated the role played by President Trump and Secretary Rubio in helping de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India last year, thereby averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed states.
The Pakistani foreign minister further conveyed Islamabad’s concerns regarding the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups targeting Pakistan and emphasized the need for enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation to address shared security challenges.
Recalling the longstanding partnership between the two countries, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-U.S. relations through high-level engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including regional peace, security, and economic prosperity.
Also, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday said Pakistan was playing an active and positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region, while highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s economy and international standing.
Addressing a press conference at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, Dar said his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was held in a very warm and cordial atmosphere.
The deputy prime minister said the international community was viewing Pakistan’s mediatory role in the current regional situation in a highly positive manner.
Pakistan is a peace-loving country and is making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, he said.
Dar stated that Pakistan had played a role in facilitating ceasefire efforts between the United States and Iran by helping create conditions for direct engagement between the two sides.
“The first ceasefire between Washington and Tehran became possible due to Pakistan’s efforts, and the latest truce was also achieved with Islamabad’s facilitation,” he added.
The foreign minister said Pakistan had earned a new identity on the global horizon under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the support of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Foreign Office.
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, Dar described the trip as very positive and highly successful, saying several historic business-to-business agreements were signed between Pakistani and Chinese companies.
He said the prime minister held meetings with leading Chinese investors and businessmen and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing foreign direct investment.
“The government is providing a conducive atmosphere for foreign investment in Pakistan,” Dar said.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral cooperation and economic collaboration.
The deputy prime minister further said that, as the only nuclear power in the Muslim world, Pakistan carried important responsibilities and remained committed to promoting peace and constructive diplomacy.
He also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the government to minimize the burden on the common people amid rising global oil prices.
