WASHINGTON: The United States has thanked Pakistan for supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and for joining the Board of Peace. In a post on X, US State Secretary Marco Rubio shared an image with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Rubio mentioned in the post that he met PM Shehbaz to appreciate “Pakistan’s ongoing support of@POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace.”“In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and counterterrorism,” the state secretary added.
Responding to Rubio’s tweet, DPM Dar thanked the US secretary of State for what he described as productive discussions on key areas of mutual interest. In a post on X, Dar said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates the meaningful talks held on advancing peace, enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. He added that Islamabad looks forward to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Washington across all areas of shared interest. PM Shehbaz and other world leaders attended the inaugural meeting of the Trump-led BoP in Washington on Thursday.
Addressing the BoP meeting, PM Shehbaz described his participation as an honour and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to lasting peace in Gaza. The prime minister said the pursuit of sustainable peace in Gaza remains a shared mission, adding that the day marked a “golden chapter in history” for peace efforts in the Middle East. He expressed hope that the initiative would succeed in achieving long-term stability in the war-hit region.
In his address, Trump also hailed PM Shehbaz and “tough, serious fighter” Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.“I like this man [PM Shehbaz] of Pakistan.” Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan has received an extraordinary reception at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington.
In a video message, he said US President Trump appreciated Pakistan’s role in world peace, which increased Pakistan’s prestige at the global level. The minister further said that due to a successful foreign policy, Pakistan is emerging as an important and effective player on the global stage. The US president first proposed the board last September when he announced his plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza. He later made clear the board’s remit would be expanded beyond Gaza to tackle other conflicts worldwide.
PM holds cordial interactions with world leaders at BoP meeting
PM Shehbaz engaged in warm interactions with several world leaders, including US President Trump on the sidelines of the Board of Peace inaugural meeting.In an informal meeting, Trump was seen cheerfully interacting with PM Shehbaz, as the two leaders expressed mutual goodwill and shook hands.
The US president also hugged the premier, highlighting that the exchange was exceptionally warm. Moreover, PM Shehbaz also interacted with King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, who attended the event in Washington. During the conversations, the leaders discussed important global and regional issues, displaying genuine warmth and and a spirit of close friendship.
Pakistan’s inclusion in the Board of Peace reflects the country’s growing success in diplomatic efforts and foreign policy, particularly its contributions toward establishing peace in Gaza, reconstruction efforts, and broader global peace initiatives.
