ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United States, stressing that economic cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral relations.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a visiting US congressional delegation, comprising Ryan Zinke and Representative Michael Baumgartner.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker were also present at the meeting.
Prime Minister Shehbaz described the US delegation’s visit as a positive step towards strengthening ties between the two countries.
He also congratulated the US Congress and American people on the 250th anniversary of US independence and conveyed his good wishes to President Donald Trump.
The prime minister appreciated President Trump’s intervention that, according to him, helped bring an end to tensions between Pakistan and India and facilitated a ceasefire in May 2025.
Discussing bilateral cooperation, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan wanted to expand engagement with the United States in trade, investment, agriculture, information technology, mining and minerals, and energy.
The visiting congressional members thanked the prime minister for the warm hospitality and said President Trump’s positive relations with Pakistan’s leadership were having a favourable impact on bilateral ties. They also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace.
Both sides agreed to increase the number and frequency of visits by US congressional delegations to Pakistan and Pakistani parliamentary delegations to the United States.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz hosted a reception for a delegation of US corporate executives visiting Pakistan. The delegation included representatives from the IT and technology, energy, mining and manufacturing sectors.
The prime minister invited more American companies to explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities in Pakistan. He also highlighted the important role of the Pakistani-American community as a bridge between the two countries.
