In what is being seen as a notable diplomatic development for Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet with United States President Donald Trump on September 25, sources said on Tuesday. According to insiders, the meeting, likely to take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, will also be attended by Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Sources added that the discussion, held with the consultation and support of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, is expected to cover a wide-ranging agenda, including the recent floods in Pakistan and the fallout from the Israeli attack on Qatar. The Pakistan-India situation is also likely to feature in the high-level talks, the sources noted. Diplomatic officials confirmed that Riyadh and Doha are supportive of the prospective Shehbaz-Trump meeting. However, Pakistan’s embassy has neither confirmed nor denied the development. This potential meeting comes amid warming diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington, particularly following the armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which ended after a ceasefire brokered by President Trump. It is worth noting that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the phone, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Earlier in July, Dar met with Rubio to discuss a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, economic cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional peace. Soon after the meeting, the two countries announced reaching a trade agreement, which aimed at boosting bilateral trade, improving market access, attracting investment, and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Under the agreement, there will be a reduction in tariffs, particularly on Pakistani exports to the US, and a fresh start in economic cooperation between the two countries, which also includes developing oil reserves. Earlier this month, Pakistan secured around $500 million investment from the US in its critical minerals sector under a newly signed agreement with United States Strategic Metals (USSM). 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.
PM Shehbaz May Hold Talks with Trump During UNGA on September 25
