Rubio praises Pakistan’s role in regional stability and Iran dialogue

Washington: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional stability and acting as a mediator in dialogue with Iran.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest. Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in fostering regional peace and facilitating engagement with Iran.

The two sides also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism, particularly against ISIS-Khorasan. They agreed to hold counterterrorism talks in Islamabad this August.

Trade and investment also featured prominently in the talks, with a focus on collaboration in the minerals and mining sectors.

Following the meeting, Foreign Minister Dar stated that Pakistan seeks trade, not aid, with the U.S., and expects a bilateral trade agreement to be finalised in the coming weeks. He added that Pakistan is open to dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, and is willing to engage in counterterrorism as well.