Pakistan-US ties strengthened during Trump era, says Mohsin Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan and United States relations strengthened during the tenure of former US President Donald Trump, as both sides continue efforts to deepen cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.

He made the remarks during a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur in Islamabad on Friday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on social media platform X. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

The discussion focused on bilateral relations, the evolving situation in the Middle East, and opportunities to expand cooperation in key sectors including counter-narcotics operations and internal security coordination. The ministry said both sides exchanged detailed views on enhancing institutional collaboration and maintaining regional peace.

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“Pakistan-US relations have strengthened during Trump’s tenure,” Naqvi said during the meeting, adding that ties between the two countries were based on “mutual trust and bilateral cooperation”. He also highlighted that Pakistan had ensured foolproof security arrangements for American companies operating in the Reko Diq mining project, one of the country’s major foreign investment ventures.

Naqvi further expressed hope that direct commercial flights between Pakistan and the United States would resume soon, calling it an important step to improve people-to-people and business connectivity between the two nations. He also reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful and lasting resolution of conflicts in the Middle East through diplomatic engagement.

On Thursday, US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur also held a separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The Foreign Office said both sides reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments, with Dar appreciating international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.

The FO added that both countries expressed satisfaction over the current momentum in bilateral ties and agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and development, while maintaining regular high-level diplomatic engagement.