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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, with a particular emphasis on boosting trade and economic cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Secretary Rubio placed a telephone call to the prime minister during which both sides held a “warm and cordial” exchange of views on regional and bilateral matters.
During the conversation, the prime minister appreciated what he described as President Donald Trump’s “bold and decisive leadership” in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
He also expressed gratitude for Washington’s role in helping secure a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
Read More: Pakistan, US to finalise trade deal next week
The leaders also discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East, with PM Shehbaz reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing peace and stability in the region. In response, Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and expressed the US government’s willingness to continue close coordination.
The exchange came as both countries move to revive economic ties amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance said Pakistan and the United States had resolved to conclude trade talks next week following a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The negotiations, focusing on reciprocal tariffs, are part of broader efforts by Islamabad to avoid steep US duties on Pakistani exports and to reset relations with Washington on a more commercially grounded footing.
Separately, both countries this week co-hosted a webinar aimed at promoting investment in Pakistan’s minerals sector, with particular emphasis on the multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper-gold project. Senior officials from both governments, along with private US investors, discussed regulatory reforms and public-private partnerships.
The US Export-Import Bank is currently reviewing financing proposals worth between $500 million and $1 billion for possible investment in the Reko Diq project.
