WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet U.S. President Donald Trump today in a formal session at the White House, in what is being described as a key moment for Pakistan-U.S. relations.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and other senior officials. The high-level delegation reflects the importance Islamabad is attaching to the meeting, which is expected to set the tone for future cooperation between the two countries.
Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing trade and economic cooperation, regional and global security issues, the situation in Afghanistan, and expanding collaboration in counterterrorism efforts. Both sides are also expected to review broader geopolitical challenges that have implications for South Asia and the wider Muslim world.
After the White House engagement, Prime Minister Sharif will return to New York the same day to continue participating in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He is scheduled to address the Assembly on Friday, where climate change, regional peace, and economic justice are likely to feature prominently in his speech.
Diplomatic analysts note that the meeting comes against the backdrop of Washington’s newly proposed 21-point plan for Middle East stability, as well as Pakistan’s recent historic defense pact with Saudi Arabia — developments that could redefine security and economic alignments in the region.
