In a significant diplomatic development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a second phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio within a week. The discussion followed Dar’s recent visit to the United States, underscoring the growing engagement between the two nations. According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral matters, regional issues, and global affairs, agreeing to maintain contact and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The recent diplomatic thaw between Islamabad and Washington was further highlighted by a newly signed trade agreement on tariffs and oil reserves. The deal, finalized during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s meetings with US trade officials, aims to boost bilateral trade, improve market access, and attract investment. Under the agreement, Pakistan will benefit from reduced tariffs on its exports to the US, marking a fresh phase in economic collaboration. US President Donald Trump hailed the deal, emphasizing joint efforts to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves and suggesting potential future exports to regional markets like India.
The warming relations follow a prolonged period of diplomatic strain, with recent high-level visits signaling a renewed partnership. Last month, US President Trump warmly received Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, setting the stage for deeper engagement. Bilateral trade between the two nations has also shown positive growth, with US-Pakistan goods trade reaching $7.3 billion in 2024, up from $6.9 billion the previous year.
The latest developments reflect a shared commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. Both sides have expressed optimism about future collaboration, with the trade deal serving as a key milestone. As Pakistan and the US continue to explore new avenues of partnership, the focus remains on fostering stability, economic growth, and mutual prosperity in the region and beyond.
