U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who appreciated President Donald Trump’s bold and decisive leadership in achieving a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said Sharif had also thanked Rubio for the key role played by the U.S. in the ceasefire between Pakistan and India. The official release by the State Department said Rubio and Sharif’s exchange was regarding events in the Middle East.
According to the PMO, the prime minister and Rubio agreed to continue working closely to strengthen Pak-U.S. ties, particularly through enhanced trade. While exchanging views on the current situation in the Middle East, it said, Sharif had said Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in bringing peace to the Middle East.
Appreciating these efforts, Rubio said the U.S. would like to work with Pakistan for promoting peace and stability in the region.
The State Department noted that Rubio had emphasized Iran could never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. “The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran and maintaining regional stability,” it added.
The latest contact follows a series of high-level engagements over the past month, including a phone call between Rubio and the prime minister last week in which Sharif voiced satisfaction over a “cordial and productive discussion” between the U.S. president and Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The luncheon meeting at the White House between the Army chief and Trump earlier this month marked the first instance of a sitting U.S. president formally receiving a serving Pakistan Army chief. The meeting has drawn criticism from some within Pakistan, who say it is an acknowledgment of the military’s central role in Pakistan’s foreign and security policy.
According to the military’s media wing, the White House luncheon focused on joint counterterrorism efforts and the potential for expanded bilateral trade.
The latest call also comes as the U.S. appears to be gearing up for renewed talks with Iran, with Trump suggesting Tehran’s willingness to cease nuclear enrichment could open avenues for trade.