In phone call: PM Shehbaz, US Secretary of State discuss bilateral ties, regional issues

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday evening, during which the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.

The conversation was described as warm and cordial. PM Shehbaz extended his best wishes to President Donald Trump and commended his bold leadership, particularly appreciating Secretary Rubio’s active diplomatic efforts.

These efforts were acknowledged as having played a vital role in facilitating the recent ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, which helped avert a potentially serious conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The prime minister noted that President Trump’s recent statements about Pakistan were a source of encouragement and viewed them as a positive step toward sustainable peace in South Asia.

 He emphasized that peace in the region could only be achieved through meaningful and inclusive dialogue between Pakistan and India.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to such dialogue, he expressed readiness to engage with India on all outstanding issues, including the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty, trade relations, and joint efforts in counter-terrorism.

The two also addressed the escalating situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on the ongoing Iran-Israel crisis.

PM Shehbaz expressed grave concern over the conflict and stressed the urgent need for peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

He stated that Pakistan’s willingness to contribute constructively to any initiative aimed at easing tensions and promoting peace, noting the global implications of the crisis.

Referring to President Trump’s emphasis on economic cooperation, the premier highlighted the importance of expanding Pakistan-US collaboration across key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals, and information technology.

On matters of security, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from its territory, pointing to efforts against groups such as the BLA, TTP, and other militant organizations.

In response, Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and achievements in counter-terrorism and assured continued support from the United States in combating shared threats.

PM Shehbaz also expressed satisfaction over the recent meeting between President Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in Washington.

He characterized the interaction as cordial and productive, and both he and Secretary Rubio agreed on the need to convert recent diplomatic progress into concrete actions across all spheres of cooperation.

Stressing the importance of sustained engagement, the prime minister called for more frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries.

He reiterated his invitation to President Trump to undertake an official visit to Pakistan and conveyed his eagerness to meet the US President at the earliest opportunity. He also extended an invitation to Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan soon.

The US Secretary of State, in turn, thanked the prime minister for the call and conveyed his own desire to deepen bilateral cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

He appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire with India and its broader efforts for regional peace.

Secretary Rubio also encouraged Pakistan to continue leveraging its strong ties with Iran in support of de-escalation and dialogue.

He concluded by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to working closely with Pakistan in the pursuit of peace and stability at both regional and global levels.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional stability, and pressing international matters.

During the call, PM Shehbaz extended his best wishes to US President Donald Trump and appreciated the President's recent positive remarks regarding Pakistan, terming them encouraging for peace and stability in South Asia.

He also lauded Secretary Rubio’s diplomatic efforts in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in avoiding conflict in the region.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, bilateral trade, and cooperation in counter-terrorism.

According to the official statement, the premier also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, urging the international community to play a responsible role in ensuring regional peace.

The conversation reflects Pakistan’s continued commitment to constructive engagement with global partners to promote peace, security, and development both within the region and beyond.