Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended U.S. President Donald Trump as a “man of peace” and expressed gratitude for his role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
Sharif met Trump at the White House along with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in a long-awaited meeting that showcased improving ties between the two nations. The private discussions continued for roughly 90 minutes.
Oval Office Discussions
During the Oval Office meeting, Sharif praised Trump’s “courageous and resolute leadership”, crediting him with reducing tensions with India and attempting to end the conflict in Gaza.
The Pakistani leader also commended Trump’s initiative earlier this week to gather Muslim leaders in New York for discussions on Middle East peace.
“I greatly respect President Trump’s genuine attempts to resolve conflicts worldwide,” Sharif stated, according to an official release from his office.
Both leaders also engaged in talks about counterterrorism cooperation and trade opportunities.
Key Points from the Meeting
- Sharif praised Trump’s “courageous and definitive leadership”.
- He encouraged U.S. firms to expand investments in Pakistan.
- He extended a formal invitation to Trump to visit Pakistan.
Call for More U.S. Investments
Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump for supporting Pakistan’s counter-extremism efforts and urged American businesses to expand investments in sectors like agriculture, technology, mining, and energy.
Images released by Pakistani officials showed Trump flashing his iconic thumbs-up while seated in the Oval Office with Sharif and Munir. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also seen conversing with Munir.
Symbolic Visit and New Trade Agreement
The meeting took place as Sharif attended the 80th U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Sharif’s trip marked the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to the White House since Imran Khan in 2019, underlining a renewed shift in ties after years of strained relations when Washington leaned closer to New Delhi.
Recently, the U.S. and Pakistan finalized a trade agreement lowering American tariffs on Pakistani goods to 19%, a development welcomed by Islamabad.
Role of Pakistan’s Military
Munir’s prominent role in the discussions highlighted the continuing influence of Pakistan’s military in shaping foreign policy. Earlier this year, Trump hosted the army chief at the White House, a historic step underscoring his administration’s engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership.
Conclusion
The White House meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Donald Trump reflected a thaw in Pakistan-U.S. relations, with both sides exploring opportunities in trade, counterterrorism, and peace initiatives. Sharif’s praise for Trump as a “man of peace” and his invitation to visit Pakistan may mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral ties.
