WASHINGTON: The United States has thanked Pakistan for supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative and for joining the newly formed Board of Peace (BoP), as senior leaders from both sides reaffirmed their strategic partnership.
In a post on X, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a photo with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Rubio said he met the Pakistani premier to appreciate “Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace.”
He added that discussions also covered the importance of the two countries’ strategic relationship, particularly cooperation on critical minerals development and counterterrorism.
Responding to Rubio’s remarks, Dar described the talks as productive and focused on areas of mutual interest. In his own post, he said Pakistan values its longstanding ties with the United States and welcomed meaningful discussions on advancing peace, strengthening counterterrorism cooperation, and expanding bilateral economic and trade relations.
Dar said Islamabad looks forward to further deepening its strategic partnership with Washington across all spheres of shared interest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz attended the inaugural meeting of the Trump-led BoP in Washington, where leaders gathered to discuss peace efforts, including the situation in Gaza. Addressing the forum, he termed his participation an honour and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable peace in the conflict-hit region.
He described the initiative as a significant moment in global peace efforts and expressed hope that it would contribute to long-term stability in the Middle East.
In his remarks at the meeting, President Trump praised Prime Minister Shehbaz and also commended Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, referring to him as a “tough, serious fighter.”
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan received an extraordinary reception at the BoP meeting. In a video message, he stated that President Trump’s appreciation of Pakistan’s role in promoting global peace had enhanced the country’s international standing.
Tarar added that Pakistan’s foreign policy successes are positioning it as an increasingly important and effective player on the global stage.
On the sidelines of the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz held cordial interactions with several world leaders. He was seen warmly greeting President Trump, with both leaders exchanging handshakes and pleasantries.
The premier also met Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Ilham Aliyev, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prabowo Subianto. Discussions during these interactions focused on key regional and global issues, reflecting what officials described as warmth and mutual goodwill.
Pakistan’s inclusion in the Board of Peace is being viewed by officials as a reflection of its growing diplomatic engagement and contributions toward peace efforts in Gaza and beyond.
