ISLAMABAD: The United States has thanked Pakistan for supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and for joining the Board of Peace initiative.
In a post on X, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a photo with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, appreciating Islamabad’s backing of President Trump’s peace efforts.
Rubio said he met PM Shehbaz to acknowledge “Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace.” He added that discussions also covered the importance of the strategic relationship between the two countries, particularly cooperation on critical minerals development and counterterrorism.
Responding on X, Dar thanked Rubio for what he termed productive discussions on areas of mutual interest. He said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates meaningful talks on advancing peace, strengthening counterterrorism collaboration, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties.
Dar added that Islamabad looks forward to further enhancing its strategic partnership with Washington across all areas of shared interest.
PM Shehbaz attended the inaugural meeting of the Trump-led Board of Peace in Washington alongside other world leaders. Addressing the session, he described his participation as an honour and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to lasting peace in Gaza.
He termed the initiative a significant moment for Middle East peace efforts and expressed hope that it would help achieve long-term stability in the region.
During the event, President Trump praised PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling the premier a leader he liked and describing the army chief as a “tough, serious fighter.”
Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan received an extraordinary reception at the Board of Peace meeting, adding that Trump’s appreciation of Pakistan’s role in global peace had enhanced the country’s international standing.
On the sidelines of the meeting, PM Shehbaz held cordial interactions with President Trump, who was seen warmly greeting and embracing the premier. The prime minister also met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia.
Officials said Pakistan’s inclusion in the Board of Peace reflects growing diplomatic engagement and its stated commitment to supporting peace and reconstruction efforts in Gaza as well as broader global initiatives.