Islamabad, April 08: Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held his first official phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing a broad range of issues including bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional security, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
This marked the inaugural direct exchange between the two leaders since Rubio took over as Washington’s top diplomat.
The Foreign Office stated that during the call, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States, underlining the importance of deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and counterterrorism.
In response, Secretary Rubio conveyed the United States’ interest in expanding economic collaboration, particularly in emerging areas such as critical minerals.
“He emphasized that enhanced economic and trade cooperation would form a cornerstone of future relations between Pakistan and the US,” the statement read.
The two officials also discussed joint efforts in combating terrorism.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s counterterrorism achievements, especially during the period from 2013 to 2018, which Rubio acknowledged and praised.
He reiterated America’s continued support for strengthening counterterrorism partnerships.
The evolving situation in Afghanistan was also on the agenda. Both sides agreed on the necessity of addressing the issue of US military equipment left behind following the American withdrawal in 2021.
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The lingering presence of such equipment has raised regional security concerns, prompting both nations to consider potential strategies for resolution.
Concluding their discussion, Dar and Rubio affirmed their commitment to maintaining close communication and working jointly to promote mutual interests across diplomatic, economic, and security domains.
“The two leaders agreed to remain engaged and to collaborate on key priorities important to both nations,” the statement concluded.
