US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lauds Pakistan's support, participation in Board of Peace

Washington (Web Desk): Shehbaz Sharif met United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, Marco Rubio during the opening session of the Board of Peace in Washington, where both leaders agreed to broaden trade links, boost economic cooperation and intensify joint efforts to counter terrorism.

The two sides highlighted the value of the Pak-US strategic partnership and noted with satisfaction the steady progress and upward direction of bilateral ties under the leadership of Donald Trump.

A press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing on Friday stated that the prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

During the meeting, the prime minister congratulated President Trump and Secretary Rubio on the successful convening of the inaugural Board of Peace session and reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with the forum in carrying forward the Gaza Peace Plan.

He underscored the necessity of sustained engagement at the highest levels between Islamabad and Washington to advance shared priorities in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

In a separate statement, the US State Department said Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s consistent support for President Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza and acknowledged its participation as a founding member of the Board of Peace.

He also conveyed condolences over the tragic January 31 attacks in Balochistan and the February 6 bombing in Islamabad, reiterating the importance of ongoing cooperation in combating terrorism.

The secretary also welcomed Pakistan’s presence at the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington. Both officials reviewed matters related to critical minerals, development of the energy sector and avenues for enhanced commercial investment by American firms.

“Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister (Shehbaz Sharif). Appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS ’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and counterterrorism,” Rubio said in a social media post on ‘X’.

Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz. Appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and… pic.twitter.com/vMSl6i4bvz

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 19, 2026

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also shared a message on X, stating, “Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the US and appreciates the meaningful discussions we had today on advancing peace, cooperation in fighting against terrorism, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. We look forward to further strengthening our strategic partnership in all areas of shared interest”.

Thank you @SecRubio.
Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates the meaningful discussions we had today on advancing peace, cooperation in fighting against terrorism, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. We look forward to… https://t.co/xjp2FqmBJZ

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) February 20, 2026