WNAM MONITORING: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s “sincere diplomatic and mediatory efforts” for peace and stability in the region during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Washington on Friday, as talks between Washington and Tehran appeared to move closer to a deal.
The meeting came as US President Donald Trump announced in a social media post the end of the country’s naval blockade of Iran and said he would meet in the White House Situation Room to make a final decision on a possible agreement with Tehran.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, DPM Dar held a bilateral meeting with Secretary Rubio in Washington DC.
“The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in the Pak-US bilateral relations and exchanged views on the evolving regional and global situation,” the statement said.
It added that Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s “sincere diplomatic and mediatory efforts for peace and stability in the region and beyond”.
The statement said both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, security and counterterrorism.
“The two leaders agreed to advance the Pak-US partnership, propelled by high-level exchanges and shared interests in regional peace, security and prosperity,” it added.
A detailed statement said Rubio commended the close engagement and continued coordination between Pakistan’s leadership and the US administration, while FM Dar expressed confidence that Pakistan’s continued sincere efforts for peace and stability would yield positive results.
He also “deeply appreciated the pivotal role” played by President Trump and Secretary Rubio in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India last year and averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed states. Dar further conveyed Pakistan’s concerns regarding the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups against Pakistan and stressed the need for enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation to address security challenges.
