Pakistan and US Strengthen Strategic Ties: On February 21, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to discuss enhancing bilateral trade and economic activities, as well as in counter terrorism cooperation. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the inaugural Board of Peace meeting.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of Pakistan-US strategic relations, expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of the partnership under President Trump’s leadership. Accompanying Prime Minister Sharif was Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Prime Minister Sharif congratulated President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio for the successful Board of Peace meeting and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with the Board for the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. High-level engagement between the two nations was highlighted as crucial for advancing common goals in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Secretary Rubio thanked Pakistan for its ongoing support of President Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza and participation as a founding member of the Board of Peace. He extended condolences for the January 31 attacks in Balochistan and the February 6 bombing in Islamabad, reaffirming the importance of continued partnership in fighting terrorism.
The discussions also covered critical minerals and energy sector development, along with commercial investment opportunities for American companies. Secretary Rubio noted Pakistan’s participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 21st, 2026
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