Rubio praises Pakistan's regional peace efforts in call with PM Shehbaz
A telephonic conversation was held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 20, 2025. Photo: AFP/ APP
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, during which both sides discussed a wide range of regional and global issues in what was described as a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the PM underscored that the escalating Iran-Israel crisis could only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Prime Minister speaks with the U.S. Secretary of State
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this evening.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for President… pic.twitter.com/CwmVG3V4pG — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 20, 2025
He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to playing a constructive role in all peace efforts amid a situation that poses serious concerns not only for the region but for the world at large.
PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes for US President Donald Trump and lauded his courageous leadership. He also appreciated Rubio's active diplomacy, particularly his role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.
Highlighting Trump's positive statements on Pakistan, the PM called them encouraging steps toward long-term peace in South Asia. He stressed that sustainable peace could only be achieved through meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India.
In this context, he reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in talks with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, trade, and counterterrorism cooperation.
Read: Trump calls meeting COAS Munir an honour at White House luncheon
The situation in the Middle East also featured prominently in the discussion. PM Shehbaz reiterated that the only viable solution lies in peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement. He reaffirmed Pakistan's willingness to play a constructive role in defusing tensions.
On economic matters, he referred to Trump's interest in strengthening bilateral trade and expressed Pakistan's desire to expand cooperation with the United States in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, minerals, rare earth elements, and information technology.
Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve to eradicate terrorism, the PM spoke about ongoing efforts to eliminate the threat posed by extremist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and others.
Read More: Field Marshal Munir engages US think tanks on Pakistan's role in global peace
In response, Rubio appreciated Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts and assured the United States' full support in this regard.
PM Shehbaz also expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the recent meeting between Trump and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in Washington describing it as both pleasant and productive.
Both sides agreed on the need to translate the recent progress in bilateral dialogue into concrete, practical cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and extended a renewed invitation to Trump to undertake an official visit to Pakistan. He expressed eagerness to meet with the US president soon and invited Rubio to visit Pakistan in the near future as well.
Also Read: UN chief urges parties to 'give peace a chance' on Iran-Israel war
In closing, US secretary of state thanked the PM for taking his call and expressed the United States' strong desire to deepen cooperation with Pakistan across all areas of shared interest.
He also acknowledged Pakistan's continued efforts in maintaining the ceasefire with India and playing a positive role in promoting peace, particularly given its strong relations with Iran.
Rubio emphasised that the United States remains committed to working closely with Pakistan to promote both regional and global peace and stability.
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