Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, discussing key areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The conversation marked a significant development in U.S.-Pakistan relations, as Secretary Rubio expressed gratitude for Pakistan's efforts to apprehend and transfer ISIS-K operative Mohammad Sharifullah to the United States. This move is seen as a major success in the global fight against terrorism.
Beyond counterterrorism, the Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dar focused on strengthening cooperation on law enforcement and addressing illegal immigration. They also explored ways to improve trade relations between the two nations, with Secretary Rubio emphasizing the importance of fair and balanced tariffs.
The talks were seen as an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their economic ties, with discussions on critical minerals and potential commercial opportunities for U.S. companies. Pakistan's membership in the United Nations Security Council, which began on January 1, was also a topic of discussion, with Secretary Rubio looking forward to working together to address global challenges during this two-year tenure.
The conversation marked an important step forward in U.S.-Pakistan relations, highlighting the importance of cooperation on key issues and the potential for increased economic engagement between the two nations.