Strategic Dialogue Covers Bilateral Trade, Security, and Regional Stability
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a high-level conversation to discuss global developments and reaffirm their mutual commitment to enhancing Pakistan-US relations across diverse sectors. According to the Foreign Office, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security, and regional peace.
The conversation comes amid a warming of bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly following the May ceasefire between Pakistan and India, brokered by US President Donald Trump. During their discussion, DPM Dar and Secretary Rubio reviewed recent international developments and explored new avenues for collaboration, especially in counter-terrorism, economic growth, and strategic stability in South Asia.
The engagement builds on their earlier in-person meeting in July, where Secretary Rubio praised Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism efforts and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the nation in securing regional peace.
Major Economic and Mineral Agreements Signal New Chapter in Ties
The renewed momentum in diplomatic relations has been complemented by tangible economic and investment agreements. Recently, Pakistan secured a $500 million investment in its critical minerals sector from United States Strategic Metals (USSM), under a newly signed cooperation framework. The deal focuses on the development and processing of rare earth elements (REEs), vital to the defence, aerospace, and tech industries.
The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), Pakistan’s leading state-owned mining entity, signed an MoU with USSM, laying the foundation for technology transfer, job creation, and sustainable development. In a parallel development, National Logistics Corporation (NLC) signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group, a multinational engineering firm, to explore long-term partnerships in infrastructure and construction.
These agreements reflect strengthening economic ties that align with broader diplomatic efforts led by the military and civilian leadership. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visits to the US — including a rare meeting with President Trump and senior US military officials — have played a key role in reinforcing Pakistan’s strategic relevance in the region.
