Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting focused on Gaza peace efforts, counterterrorism cooperation, and expanding economic engagement in key sectors, including minerals and energy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Pakistan for its continued support of President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. He also appreciated Pakistan’s participation as a founding member in the inaugural session of the Peace Board, describing it as an important diplomatic initiative.
Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz. 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… pic.twitter.com/vMSl6i4bvz
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 19, 2026
The discussion underscored Pakistan’s role in ongoing international efforts aimed at stabilizing Gaza following the fragile ceasefire.
Condolences over Balochistan, Islamabad attacks
During the meeting, Secretary Rubio expressed condolences over the horrific attacks in Balochistan on January 31 and the devastating explosion in Islamabad on February 6. He reiterated the importance of the ongoing partnership between the United States and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation to counter extremist threats and ensure regional stability.
Cooperation in critical minerals, energy
Rubio welcomed Pakistan’s participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting held in Washington. The talks included discussions on enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, energy sector development, and broader commercial engagement.
Also Read: US to give $10bn for Gaza reconstruction, says Trump in first Board of Peace meeting
Both sides explored investment opportunities in Pakistan for US companies, signaling renewed interest in economic collaboration.
Focus on trade, investment
The meeting also highlighted prospects for expanding trade ties and attracting American investment into Pakistan’s growing sectors.
Officials discussed opportunities for US firms to invest in Pakistan’s mineral resources and energy infrastructure, positioning economic cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
The engagement reflects a broader effort to deepen strategic and commercial ties between Washington and Islamabad.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Sharif addressed the Gaza Board of Peace ceremony, where he appreciated the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump.
Also Read: PM Shehbaz praises Trump’s peace efforts during Board of Peace meeting
During his speech, the prime minister commended President Trump’s efforts for Gaza and credited him with helping de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India, stating that millions of lives were saved by preventing a potential conflict.
Shehbaz emphasized that lasting peace in Gaza remains a shared mission and called for concrete steps to ensure sustainable stability in the region.
He further stressed that the Palestine issue should be resolved in accordance with relevant international resolutions through meaningful and practical measures.
