Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-US relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. According to the Foreign Office, Secretary Rubio held a call with DPM Dar during which both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral ties and exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. The renewed engagement comes amid an upswing in Islamabad-Washington relations, particularly after the May conflict between Pakistan and India, which ended following a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Earlier in July, Dar met Rubio in person, where the US Secretary of State acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. That meeting, held at the delegation level, featured senior officials from both sides and covered a wide range of subjects, including trade, economy, investment, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. Following the talks, both countries announced a trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade, enhancing market access, attracting investment, and reinforcing cooperation in areas of shared interest. The agreement includes tariff reductions, particularly benefiting Pakistani exports to the US, and marks a fresh phase of economic engagement that also extends to developing oil reserves. More recently, Pakistan secured around $500 million worth of US investment in its critical minerals sector under a newly signed deal with United States Strategic Metals (USSM). The agreement focuses on the development and processing of critical minerals including rare earth elements (REEs) along with logistics support services. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), Pakistan’s largest miner of critical minerals, inked a landmark MoU with USSM, a leading US-based processor, recycler and miner. The deal establishes a framework for collaboration across a range of strategic minerals essential for the defence, aerospace, and technology industries. The cooperation aims to unlock new opportunities in sustainable growth, technology transfer, and job creation, while prioritising environmental responsibility. Separately, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group to explore long-term partnerships in engineering and construction. The improving economic, trade and diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington are also to be taken in the context of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir’s multiple high-level visits to the US including a rare one-on-one meeting with President Trump in June. The COAS recently visited the US in August for the retirement ceremony of outgoing Commander United States Central Command (Centcom), General Michael E Kurilla, and the Change of Command Ceremony marking the assumption of command by Admiral Brad Cooper. During the visit, the army chief met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.
DPM Dar, Rubio vow stronger Pak-US partnership in talks on global issues
