– U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Washington on Thursday evening to discuss Pakistan’s support for President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, counterterrorism cooperation and potential investment opportunities for American companies in Pakistan.
According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio thanked Pakistan for its ongoing support of President Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza and its participation in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace
held earlier Thursday in the U.S. Capital.
Rubio expressed appreciation for the role Islamabad is playing in supporting efforts to achieve stability and peace
and underscored the importance of continued partnership in counterterrorism and enhanced security cooperation to address shared threats. The meeting comes as the Trump administration continues to build international support for its vision for post-conflict Gaza, a plan that reportedly requires at least $25 billion in investment.
The Secretary also welcomed Pakistan’s participation in the recent Ministerial on Critical Minerals held in Washington
. Discussions focused on developing Pakistan’s critical minerals and energy sectors, as well as identifying commercial investment opportunities for U.S. Firms. The State Department statement affirmed that both officials exchanged views on deepening economic cooperation, enhancing the investment climate, and supporting bilateral partnerships in priority sectors
.
Pakistan is a key partner for the United States in South Asia, with cooperation spanning security, economic, and regional issues. Washington and Islamabad have long coordinated on international and regional matters, a relationship the U.S. Appears keen to reinforce as it pursues its broader Middle East policy objectives.
The timing of the meeting is significant, occurring amidst ongoing efforts to secure international financial commitments for Gaza’s reconstruction. President Trump’s Board of Peace, launched earlier this week, has already secured pledges of $7 billion in relief funding from nine nations, according to reports. The U.S. Is positioning the Board as a central mechanism for coordinating international assistance and investment in the Palestinian enclave.
Pakistan’s inclusion on the Board of Peace and its stated support for the Trump plan signal a strengthening of ties between Washington and Islamabad. This comes after a period of fluctuating relations, with the U.S. Previously expressing concerns about Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. The recent agreement to enhance counterterrorism cooperation suggests a renewed commitment from both sides to address shared security concerns.
The discussion regarding critical minerals and energy sector development also highlights a growing area of U.S. Interest in Pakistan. Washington is increasingly focused on diversifying its supply chains for critical minerals, essential for the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems. Pakistan possesses significant mineral resources, and the U.S. Is seeking to encourage investment in their responsible development.
However, the relationship between the U.S. And Pakistan has not been without its challenges. Recent reports indicate U.S. Concerns regarding Pakistan’s alleged harboring of terrorists, with some officials suggesting potential consequences if these concerns are not addressed. This delicate balance between security cooperation and addressing U.S. Concerns about terrorism underscores the complexities of the bilateral relationship.
The State Department statement did not elaborate on specific details regarding the investment opportunities discussed, but it emphasized the shared goal of fostering a more favorable investment climate in Pakistan. This could involve addressing regulatory hurdles, improving infrastructure, and promoting transparency.
The meeting between Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Sharif reflects the Trump administration’s broader strategy of leveraging partnerships to advance its foreign policy objectives. By securing support for its Gaza peace plan and fostering economic cooperation with key regional players like Pakistan, the U.S. Aims to create a more stable and prosperous Middle East.
