Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently engaged in a warm and cordial telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, covering a broad spectrum of crucial bilateral and regional issues. The discussion underscored both nations’ commitment to strengthening their partnership amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his best wishes to US President Donald Trump, commending his leadership. He also expressed appreciation for Secretary Rubio’s proactive diplomatic efforts, which played a pivotal role in facilitating a ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, averting a potential catastrophe between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Prime Minister welcomed President Trump’s positive remarks about Pakistan, deeming them encouraging for achieving lasting peace in South Asia. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty, trade, and counter-terrorism.

The two leaders also delved into the ongoing Iran-Israel crisis, with Prime Minister Sharif emphasizing the critical importance of dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful resolution. He highlighted Pakistan’s willingness to contribute constructively towards peace efforts in the Middle East, recognizing the conflict’s global implications.

On economic cooperation, the Prime Minister stressed the mutual need for Pakistan and the United States to enhance collaboration across diverse sectors. These include trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals, and information technology.

Regarding security and counter-terrorism, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism throughout the country, specifically addressing threats from groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and assured full US cooperation in confronting such threats.

Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his satisfaction with the recent productive and cordial discussion between President Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in Washington. Both leaders agreed that their extensive discussions should now translate into concrete actions across multiple areas of mutual interest. To further solidify ties, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of frequent high-level exchanges and reiterated his invitations to both President Trump and Secretary Rubio for official visits to Pakistan at their earliest convenience.

In response, Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for the call and reaffirmed the US commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan across all shared interests. He praised Pakistan’s adherence to the ceasefire with India and its sustained efforts for regional peace. Rubio also encouraged Pakistan, given its strong ties with Iran, to continue playing a constructive role in ongoing peace efforts concerning the Iran-Israel situation. He concluded by affirming Washington’s intent to work closely with Islamabad to promote regional and global peace and stability.