WASHINGTON: The United States has thanked Pakistan for supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative and for joining the “Board of Peace,” as senior leaders from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a post on X, shared a photograph with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, saying he had met the Pakistani premier to appreciate Islamabad’s continued support for the Gaza peace plan and its participation in the Board of Peace.
Rubio said discussions during the meeting also covered the importance of the strategic relationship between the two countries, particularly cooperation in critical minerals development and counterterrorism.
Responding to the US secretary of state’s remarks, Dar thanked Rubio for what he described as productive discussions on key areas of mutual interest. He said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with Washington and appreciates meaningful engagement aimed at advancing peace, strengthening counterterrorism cooperation and expanding bilateral trade and economic ties. He added that Islamabad looks forward to further enhancing its strategic partnership with the United States across areas of shared interest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other world leaders attended the inaugural meeting of the Trump-led Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, the prime minister termed his participation an honour and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to lasting peace in Gaza, expressing hope that the initiative would help achieve long-term stability in the conflict-affected region.
In his remarks, President Trump praised the Pakistani premier as well as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing them as committed partners.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan received an exceptional reception at the Board of Peace meeting, adding that the country’s constructive role in global peace efforts had enhanced its international standing. He said Pakistan’s foreign policy was positioning the country as an increasingly influential player on the global stage.
On the sidelines of the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held informal interactions with several world leaders, including President Trump. He also met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia.
Discussions during these interactions focused on regional and global developments and reflected cordial relations among participating countries. Officials said Pakistan’s inclusion in the Board of Peace highlighted its diplomatic engagement, particularly its contributions toward peace efforts in Gaza and broader international initiatives.