Key points
- It was the first-ever phone call between the two leaders
- Call signals deepening ties between Washington-Islamabad
- Investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals was also discussed
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held the first telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the two top diplomats agreed on the need to resolve the issue of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces.
They also discussed bilateral relations, regional security and economic cooperation, according to statements issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office and the US State Department.
“During the call, Deputy Prime Minister Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the US. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and counter-terrorism,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.
Secretary Rubio reciprocated the desire to collaborate with Pakistan in trade and investment in various sectors, especially critical minerals, it added.
Future relations
He said that cooperation in economy and trade would be the hallmark of future relations between the two countries.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in successfully fighting terrorism during 2013-18, which caused Pakistan huge economic and human losses.
Secretary of State Rubio also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and expressed the US desire to further enhance counter-terrorism cooperation.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Secretary Rubio agreed on the need to resolve the issue of US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.
Shared interests
They agreed to remain in close contact and to work together to advance the shared interests of both.
Meanwhile, US State Department issued a statement stating, “Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Secretary Rubio thanked Pakistan for the arrest and transfer to the United States of ISIS-K operative Mohammad Sharifullah, and the Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dar underscored the importance of continued cooperation on counterterrorism.”
Fair and balanced trade
Secretary Rubio also emphasised the importance of Pakistan’s cooperation on law enforcement and addressing illegal immigration, the statement said, adding that the two discussed US reciprocal tariffs on Pakistan and how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship.
“The Secretary raised prospects for engagement on critical minerals and expressed interest in expanding commercial opportunities for US companies. The Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dar look forward to working together to address global challenges during Pakistan’s two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council that began on January 1.”
