ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held the first-ever ministerial-level talks in Washington DC, on Friday.
This marked the first in-person meeting between the two counterparts, although they have spoken multiple times over the phone in the past. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to advance bilateral relations and establish structured cooperation across various sectors, the Foreign Office said.
The meeting featured in-depth discussions on Pakistan-US relations and potential cooperation in various sectors. In addition to exploring ways to enhance bilateral trade and economic engagement, both sides discussed investment opportunities, agriculture, technological cooperation, and potential collaboration in critical sectors such as minerals development.
Pleased to meet Secretary @MarcoRubio for a comprehensive discussion on the full spectrum of bilateral relations. We reaffirmed our commitment to the long term Pakistan-US partnership, with renewed focus on economic, trade, investment, IT/AI and CT cooperation.
We also exchanged… pic.twitter.com/cPfJBXqB9c
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 25, 2025
They also discussed the strategies to counter terrorism to ensure lasting stability in the region. Ishaq Dar praised President Donald Trump and the US leadership’s efforts to promote global peace. “President Trump’s role and efforts in easing recent Pakistan-India tensions are commendable,” he said.
“We aspire to expand and strengthen Pakistan-US bilateral relations,” said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, adding that Pakistan is hopeful for positive progress in the ongoing trade dialogue between the two countries. “Pakistan is an attractive destination for the American business community and investors,” he said.
He noted that both countries share aligned perspectives on regional peace and stability, and acknowledged the role of the Pakistani diaspora in the US as a vital bridge between the two countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. “Pakistan has always played a positive role in global and regional peace.”
The Deputy Prime Minister arrived in Washington, DC, on Thursday night, on the second leg of his eight-day visit to the US. He had arrived in New York on Monday to attend “high-level signature events” of Pakistan’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) presidency, including a conference on Palestine.
Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistan’s partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional… pic.twitter.com/QZB9RZwIA8
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025
Dar’s visit coincides with Pakistan’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this month.
Pakistan assumed the rotating presidency for July, marking its first time in the role since 2013. Islamabad began its current two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in January 2025, which will continue through the end of 2026.
