Latest news with #Pak-US
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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Trump expressed keen interest in trade partnership with Pakistan: Pak Army
US President Donald Trump has expressed "keen interest" in developing a "mutually beneficial" trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests, the army here said on Thursday. In a statement after a meeting between Trump and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the media wing of the Pakistan Army - said they also discussed joint counterterrorism efforts. During the high-level engagement, the discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, the ISPR said. "President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests," said the statement. In the first formal reaction by the Pakistan government, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday said the meeting between Army Chief Munir and President Trump helped to highlight the Pak-India conflict. In a post on X, Asif said the meeting is a milestone in Pak-US relations because this is the first time that a US President has invited and met a Pakistani Army Chief. Describing the Trump-Munir meeting as the most important turning point in the 78-year history of relations, Asif said the development is the success of the current hybrid model of governance, involving the elected government and the army. His comments seem to be a departure from the past when political parties demanded non-interference of the army in political affairs. The Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the Government and people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis, the ISPR said. He acknowledged President Trump's statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community, the statement added. President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states, the ISPR said. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism, it added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff accompanied Trump. Munir was joined by National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik, who is also the head of the intelligence agency ISI. No senior civilian official from Pakistan was present. A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict, the ISPR said. President Trump commended Munir's leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics, it said. In a "gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties", Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date, the statement said. Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting was extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue, it added. The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the statement. Separately, President Trump said it was an honour for him to meet the Chief of Army Staff during a luncheon held at the Cabinet Room in the White House, the first-ever such honour for any Pakistani army chief. It is rare for the US president to host a lunch for an army chief of a foreign country. There have been precedents of Pakistan army chiefs, including Ayub Khan, Zia ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf, receiving such invites. But they were holding the post of president as well. Speaking to the media after the event, Trump extended his gratitude to Pakistan's military chief for visiting and acknowledged his role in helping stop war with India. I was honoured to meet him (Field Marshal Munir) today, Trump said. I invited him to thank him for not going to war. He deserves appreciation for helping secure the ceasefire. When asked if the talks included the Iran-Israel conflict, Trump said: They (Pakistan) know Iran very well, better than most, and they're not happy about anything. It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they know Iran better." According to experts, the meeting was a significant boost for relations between the two countries, which had been under strain for years due to suspicion in the US that Pakistan failed to help it stabilize Afghanistan, which resulted in a hasty withdrawal from the country in 2021. The meeting comes after the recent tension with India and Trump umpteen times took credit for stopping the war for which Pakistan thanked him for his role.
New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Trump shows ‘keen interest' in trade ties with Pakistan, says Army after rare White House meeting
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has expressed "keen interest" in developing a "mutually beneficial" trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests, the army here said on Thursday. In a statement after a meeting between Trump and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the media wing of the Pakistan Army - said they also discussed joint counterterrorism efforts. During the high-level engagement, the discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, the ISPR said. "President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests," said the statement. In the first formal reaction by the Pakistan government, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday said the meeting between Army Chief Munir and President Trump helped to highlight the Pak-India conflict. In a post on X, Asif said the meeting is a milestone in Pak-US relations because 'this is the first time that a US President has invited and met a Pakistani Army Chief.' Describing the Trump-Munir meeting as 'the most important turning point in the 78-year history of relations', Asif said the development is the success of the 'current hybrid model of governance', involving the elected government and the army. His comments seem to be a departure from the past when political parties demanded non-interference of the army in political affairs.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Reciprocal tariffs: Aurangzeb holds virtual meeting with US Commerce Secy
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a virtual meeting with US Commerce Secretary on US reciprocal tariffs. Further to Pak-US negotiations on US reciprocal tariffs, a virtual meeting took place between Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Howard Lutnick, United States' Commerce Secretary on US reciprocal tariffs on 16th June, 2025. Both sides resolved to carry forward their negotiations through a constructive engagement to finalise the trade deal at the earliest. The discussions focused on meaningful engagement in trade, investment and deepening economic ties mutually beneficial to both sides with the understanding that further technical level detailed discussions, in coming days, will be held based on mutually agreed roadmap. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Maryam, US diplomats discuss enhanced cooperation
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie A Baker and Consul General Kristin K Hawkins and discussed matters pertaining to further strengthening the long-standing Pak-US relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The CM appreciated Natalie Baker's dynamic and positive role as Chargé d'Affaires in Pakistan. She also appreciated the constructive and positive role of the United States in the recent Pakistan-India strained relations. The chief minister expressed solidarity with the people of California on being a sister state. She described her meeting with the US Congressional Pakistan Caucus as positive and constructive. She highlighted the active and positive role of the United States and deemed it highly important for attaining sustainable peace in the South Asian region. Pakistan-US relations are a valuable partnership based on shared values and strategic interests. She highlighted, 'Pakistan is emerging as a strategic partner for the United States in various sectors including textile. Punjab is the largest and most economically vibrant province in the country and welcomes US investment and cooperation in multiple sectors. The Pakistani-American community played the role of a strong bridge in further strengthening cordial relations between the two countries.' The CM outlined, 'We deem the United States as an important global ally on confronting formidable challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainable development. The Punjab government is keen to further expand its strategic partnership with the United States.' She apprised that Punjab province holds the honour of establishing the first Women's Virtual Police Station. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan calls for new equilibrium in ties with US based on trust, ground realities
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal this week called for establishing a new equilibrium in ties with the United States (US) based on mutual trust, ground realities and development, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. Ties between Islamabad and Washington, once close allies during the Cold War era and after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, have remained strained in recent years. American officials suspected Pakistan supported the Afghan Taliban in regaining Kabul in August 2021 after 20 years of war, damaging ties with Islamabad. Pakistan denies the allegations strongly. The latest statement came from Iqbal while he met a US congressional delegation led by Jack Bergman, US representative from Michigan's first congressional district, along with other representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi, Jonathan L. Jackson and other senior US officials in Islamabad. 'In the realities of new geopolitics, there is a need to establish a new equilibrium in Pak-US relations based on ground realities, mutual trust and development-focused partnership,' APP reported Iqbal as saying on Saturday. The state media said that the meeting between the two sides focused on strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of development cooperation and future collaboration across various sectors. 'Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the need to have an understanding of Pakistan's socio-economic challenges in the aftermaths of the two US-led wars in the region,' the APP said. Citing his own academic experience in the US, Iqbal acknowledged the transformative impact of American higher education in shaping global leaders and innovators. The minister called for the establishment of campuses of top-tier American universities in Pakistan, assuring his government would fully facilitate the move. The American delegation thanked Iqbal for the warm welcome accorded to them, the APP said, adding that they acknowledged Pakistan's 'immense potential' across various sectors and stressed the need to engage the private sector to unlock investment opportunities and build investor confidence. 'The delegation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries and enhancing collaboration in key areas,' the APP said. Pakistan and Washington have recently moved closer after Islamabad aided Washington in apprehending a highly wanted Daesh operative last month. Both countries have since spoken regularly about the need to collaborate in counter-terrorism operations.
