Washington (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s busy trip to the United States is widely expected to culminate in a meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump later today (Thursday).
The prime minister, who has been attending sessions of the UN General Assembly as well as a series of side engagements with international leaders and financial institutions in New York, is now headed toward what officials describe as the most significant stop of his visit.
While no formal announcement has been issued, signs point strongly toward the encounter taking place. Senior Pakistani diplomats have already shifted back to Washington to prepare, and members of the embassy’s media team are also making arrangements in the capital, Dawn reported.
When pressed by reporters on Wednesday about the likelihood of meeting President Trump, Shehbaz smiled and said he would speak about it the following day, leaving the impression that confirmation was near. Army Chief, Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir may also reportedly join the prime minister if the meeting goes ahead. The general earlier this year became the first Pakistani military chief to be invited to the White House for bilateral talks.
Read More: PM Shehbaz Urges IMF to Weigh Flood Losses in Economic Review
On Wednesday, Shehbaz met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. He urged the institution to factor in the country’s flood-related losses during its upcoming review. An IMF mission is due to arrive in Islamabad today to open negotiations with the government. Georgieva expressed solidarity with those affected by the natural disaster, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The premier also held discussions with World Bank President Ajay Banga, where he welcomed the bank’s continued support for Pakistan. In addition, Shehbaz met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and joined a high-level session of the Global Development Initiative, hosted by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Read More: Shehbaz to Attend UNGA, Hold Talks with Trump, Muslim Leaders Today
On Wednesday evening, Shehbaz and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefly crossed paths with President Trump on the sidelines of meetings. Video footage shared by the Foreign Office showed Trump greeting them warmly before engaging in a short conversation. Officials described the exchange as informal but cordial.
