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Shehbaz Sharif Meets Marco Rubio in Washington, Discusses Minerals, Energy & Gaza Peace Plan
PM Shehbaz Sharif met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, discussing critical minerals, energy cooperation, counter-terrorism & support for President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-20
Shehbaz Sharif Meets Marco Rubio in Washington, Discusses Minerals, Energy & Gaza Peace Plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, with both sides discussing enhanced cooperation in critical minerals, energy development, counter-terrorism and expanding American investment in Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the United States Department of State, Secretary Rubio thanked Pakistan for supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and for joining the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace as a founding member.

Rubio also conveyed condolences over the January 31 attacks in Balochistan and the February 6 bombing in Islamabad, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to continued counter-terrorism cooperation with Islamabad.

Focus on Minerals and Energy

The discussions included Pakistan’s participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington. The United States welcomed Islamabad’s engagement and explored avenues for collaboration in developing Pakistan’s energy and mineral resources, alongside commercial opportunities for American firms.

A press release from Pakistan’s Press Information Department stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Rubio and President Trump on the “successful” inaugural session of the Board of Peace. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work with the board to implement the Gaza peace plan.

Both sides underscored the importance of Pakistan-US strategic ties and expressed satisfaction with the “positive trajectory” of bilateral relations. They agreed to enhance trade, economic activity and cooperation in counter-terrorism.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later responded to Rubio’s remarks on X, describing the discussions as “meaningful” and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership with the United States.

Shehbaz Calls for End to Gaza Ceasefire Violations

Earlier, addressing the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the urgency of ending ceasefire violations in Gaza to ensure durable peace and facilitate reconstruction.

He said the Palestinian people had endured prolonged suffering and illegal occupation, adding that long-term peace required full Palestinian control over their land and future in line with resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

The prime minister praised President Trump’s diplomatic efforts, expressing confidence that his leadership would help secure lasting peace in Gaza.

Under its charter, the US government serves as the depository of the board, while the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace has been designated as its headquarters. A UN Security Council resolution adopted last year authorised the board to assist in establishing an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza following a Trump-backed ceasefire plan accepted by Israel and Hamas.

Trump on Pakistan-India Crisis

In his remarks, President Trump recalled his contacts with Islamabad and New Delhi during the four-day Pakistan-India crisis in May 2025. He said he had warned both countries that trade negotiations could be halted and tariffs imposed if hostilities continued, a move he suggested contributed to de-escalation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded what he described as Trump’s “bold diplomacy” and credited him with helping avert a wider conflict in South Asia.

Meetings with Global Leaders

On the sidelines of the Board of Peace session, the prime minister also held informal meetings with several global leaders, including:

  • Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
  • Ilham Aliyev
  • Shavkat Mirziyoyev
  • Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
  • Prabowo Subianto

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, discussions focused on key regional and global developments.

The Washington engagements highlighted Pakistan’s push to expand economic cooperation with the United States — particularly in the energy and minerals sectors — while aligning diplomatically with a US-led peace initiative on Gaza and reinforcing counter-terrorism collaboration.
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