ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan is ready to play a constructive role in any effort restore peace in the Middle East.
The prime minister received a telephone call from Secretary Rubio during which he conveyed his best wishes to President Donald Trump and appreciated the secretary’s diplomatic efforts to avert the risk of a war between India and Pakistan, said a statement.
He said that President Trump’s positive statements on Pakistan were encouraging for peace in South Asia and Islamabad was ready for meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues. He said that there should also be talks on occupied Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty, trade and terrorism.
The prime minister underscored the need for peaceful resolution of the Iran-Israel crisis and said Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role in every endeavour for peace in the Middle East.
Mr Sharif said that Pakistan and the United States should increase cooperation in trade, energy, IT and minerals. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue its operations against the BLA, TTP and other terrorist groups and said Pakistan was committed to completely eradicate terrorism from all over the country.
The prime minister described the meeting of Field Marshal Asim Munir with President Trump as positive. According to the statement, it was agreed to turn Pakistan-US relations into practical cooperation. He reiterated his invitation to President Trump to visit Pakistan and also invited the US Secretary of State to visit Pakistan soon.
The US Secretary of State appreciated Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and said that the US will fully cooperate with Pakistan to address the threat of terrorism from all quarters.
He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region and said that Pakistan through its close relations with Iran will continue to play a role in establishing peace in the region and the US will continue to closely cooperate with Pakistan for regional and global peace and stability.
