ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday to discuss bilateral matters and regional issues, the foreign ministry said amid improving ties between Islamabad and Washington.
Pakistan and the US have moved closer since American President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi after a four-day military conflict in May that left over 70 dead on both sides of the border. In June, Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief for an unprecedented lunch at the White House where both sides discussed the then Iran-Israel conflict and other matters.
Pakistan announced last week it had finalized a “landmark” trade deal with the US, saying it would pave the way for reduced tariffs and deeper economic ties while Trump separately announced a partnership to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves.
“The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral matters and exchanged views on current regional & international issues,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said about the Dar-Rubio call. “Both sides agreed to remain in contact and continue cooperation on areas of mutual interest.”
Islamabad’s increasing engagement with Washington is being seen by analysts as a sign of a diplomatic reset after years of estrangement between the two countries. High-level bilateral exchanges between Pakistan and the US gradually faded as American forces withdrew from Afghanistan.
