WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks focused heavily on expanding cooperation in critical minerals, energy development, and investment, marking what officials described as an effort to broaden Pakistan-US ties beyond their traditional security framework.
According to a State Department statement, the two sides discussed Pakistan’s participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, with the United States welcoming Islamabad’s engagement and exploring opportunities in developing Pakistan’s energy and mineral resources.
Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz. Appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and… pic.twitter.com/vMSl6i4bvz
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 19, 2026
The statement noted discussions on “commercial opportunities for American companies,” signalling potential US investment in sectors considered strategically important to global supply chains and clean energy transitions.
Broadening Strategic Ties
While counter-terrorism cooperation remained on the agenda, officials emphasised strengthening economic and trade links.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a post on X that the two sides held “meaningful discussions” on expanding bilateral economic and trade ties.
Thank you @SecRubio.
Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates the meaningful discussions we had today on advancing peace, cooperation in fighting against terrorism, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. We look forward to… https://t.co/xjp2FqmBJZ— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) February 20, 2026
“We look forward to further strengthening our strategic partnership in all areas of shared interest,” Dar said.
Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the importance of continued counter-terrorism collaboration and conveyed condolences over recent attacks in Pakistan, underscoring that security cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship.
However, the emphasis on minerals, energy, and commercial engagement reflects Islamabad’s effort to recalibrate relations with Washington toward investment-driven growth and long-term economic cooperation.
The talks come as Pakistan seeks foreign investment to develop its mineral reserves and strengthen its energy infrastructure, while the United States continues to secure diversified supply chains for critical resources.
PM Shehbaz Meets Global Leaders in Washington
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a series of informal meetings in Washington with world leaders attending the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Prime Minister @CMShehbaz held informal and cordial interactions with several world leaders in #Washington, where he is attending the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace@PakPMO @ForeignOfficePk @PakinUSA #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/HXBvUew1ER pic.twitter.com/epH3C1ePFx
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 20, 2026
During the engagements, he met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia. The PMO said discussions covered key regional and global developments of mutual interest.
The statement added that Pakistan’s participation in the Board of Peace underscores its commitment to promoting peace in Gaza, supporting reconstruction efforts, and advancing broader diplomatic engagement on global issues.
