Senior U.S. official Eric Meyer on Wednesday highlighted support for investment in Pakistan’s minerals sector, stressing the raw materials are essential components of advanced technologies.
Meyer, senior official for the Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, visited Islamabad from April 8-9 to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. His visit aimed to advance U.S. interests in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses in Pakistan, deepen economic ties between the two countries, and underscore the vital importance of continued collaboration on counterterrorism.
“Critical minerals are the raw materials necessary for our most advanced technologies,” he said, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. “President Trump has made it clear that securing diverse and reliable sources of these materials is a strategic priority. Pakistan’s vast mineral potential—if responsibly and transparently developed—can benefit both our countries,” he added.
The statement noted that the U.S. continues to work with international partners and Pakistani stakeholders to explore opportunities for investment, technical collaboration, and responsible resource management in the minerals sector.
During his visit, Meyer engaged with senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to expand opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan, promote the deepening of economic ties between our two countries, and underscore the vital importance of continued collaboration on counterterrorism.
In the meeting with the Army chief, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced business-to-business, government-to-government, and people-to-people cooperation. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the U.S. had lauded Pakistan’s efforts to unlock its vast mineral potential through strategic and mutually beneficial international partnerships.
Meyer also appreciated Pakistan’s improving investment climate and noted that mineral development remains a core area of shared interest under the current U.S. administration’s regional engagement strategy.
Both sides exchanged views on evolving global dynamics, regional security imperatives, and the broader scope of bilateral engagement. Meyer, it said, had appreciated the opportunity to meet with Pakistani foreign policy thought leaders, members of the American chambers of commerce, and public diplomacy program alumni to strengthen the close and enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries.
In meetings with civilian leaders, U.S. and Pakistani officials expressed mutual confidence in Pakistan’s “investment landscape” and committed to boosting partnerships.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier had underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation … including trade and investment, as well as counterterrorism.