Pakistan’s Dar Pushes for Stronger US Ties in First Rubio Meeting

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On July 25, 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., in what is being seen as a strategic reset in bilateral relations. This marked the first official in-person engagement between the two since the formation of the new U.S. administration earlier this year. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, was also in attendance.

The talks, held in a constructive atmosphere, focused on advancing cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, minerals, and counterterrorism. Dar emphasized Pakistan’s economic potential, highlighting its openness to foreign investment, especially in sectors aligned with U.S. commercial interests. He underscored the “strong convergences” between the two nations, particularly in regional security and economic development.

Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s continued contributions to counterterrorism and regional stability. He reaffirmed the United States’ intent to enhance engagement with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to convene a U.S.–Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad in August 2025, aimed at institutionalizing security cooperation and information sharing.

Dar also addressed a policy forum at the Atlantic Council in Washington, where he noted that Pakistan and the U.S. were nearing the conclusion of a new bilateral trade agreement. According to Dar, negotiations were in the final stages and an announcement could follow “within days.” U.S. officials have acknowledged the discussions but have not confirmed a specific timeline.

The meeting follows months of diplomatic outreach by Islamabad and signals a deliberate shift toward economic diplomacy and institutional engagement. It also reflects the broader goals of Pakistan’s foreign policy under the current administration, which seeks to position the country as a reliable partner in both regional stability and global commerce.

Secretary Rubio, who assumed office on January 21, 2025, following unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate, reiterated Washington’s desire to work with Islamabad on sustainable peace and development in South Asia. His meeting with Dar is widely seen as a sign of growing diplomatic convergence between the two countries after a period of strained ties in recent years.

The dialogue sets the stage for enhanced bilateral cooperation, with both countries expressing optimism about a more stable and mutually beneficial partnership going forward.