Washington (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, where discussions focused on cooperation in critical minerals, energy development, counter-terrorism and expanding avenues for American investment in Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the US State Department.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister addressed the opening session of a Gaza peace forum convened by President Donald Trump.
During the meeting with Rubio, the US side expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support of President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative and for its participation as a founding member of the newly formed “Board of Peace.” The secretary of state also conveyed condolences over the January 31 attacks in Balochistan and the February 6 bombing in Islamabad, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to continued counter-terrorism cooperation with Islamabad.
The two sides also reviewed Pakistan’s involvement in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington. The United States welcomed Pakistan’s engagement and discussed potential collaboration in the development of Pakistan’s mineral and energy sectors, alongside opportunities for greater participation by American companies.
Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, established last month after being proposed in September 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the urgency of halting ceasefire violations in Gaza. He said that ending such violations was essential to preserving lives and enabling meaningful reconstruction in the conflict-hit territory.
Read More: PM Shehbaz Lands in Washington for First Board of Peace Meeting
He stressed that the Palestinian people have endured prolonged occupation and hardship, and that sustainable peace requires granting them full control over their land and future, consistent with UN Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister praised President Trump’s efforts, saying that his sustained engagement could help secure lasting peace in Gaza and would stand as part of his legacy.
Under the board’s framework, the US government serves as its depository, while the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace has been designated as headquarters. A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November last year authorized the body, along with partner states, to assist in forming an International Stabilization Force in Gaza following the October ceasefire brokered under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas. However, the ceasefire has faced repeated strains.
Read More: Pakistan to Support Gaza Peace Efforts, Rules Out Role in Disarming Hamas
In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz also credited President Trump with helping ease tensions during the four-day Pakistan-India crisis in May 2025. He said Trump’s intervention may have prevented a much larger catastrophe and described him as a proponent of peace in South Asia.
President Trump, speaking before the Pakistani leader, recalled engaging both Islamabad and New Delhi during the confrontation. He said he warned both sides that ongoing trade discussions could be suspended and steep tariffs imposed if hostilities continued. According to Trump, the prospect of economic repercussions contributed to de-escalation.
He also referenced his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, and commended the Pakistani leader for publicly acknowledging his role in easing tensions.
In response, the prime minister praised what he described as Trump’s decisive diplomacy and leadership in navigating complex international crises.
