Pakistan PM, army chief meet Trump at White House

KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed regional security among other matters, as the two met for the first time at the Oval Office in Washington on Friday morning, Dawn.com reported.

Sharif was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, while the US President was joined by US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Sharif thanked Trump for “his public endorsement of Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism and stressed the need to further enhance cooperation in security and intelligence,” as the two discussed matters of regional security, Dawn.com reported citing a statement from Sharif’s office.

The premier described Trump as a “man of peace”, lauding his “sincere” efforts in ending conflicts around the world. Sharif branded Trump’s style of leadership “bold, courageous and decisive,” and thanked the US president for his role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in their four-day military conflict in May.

On the situation in the Middle East, Sharif “lauded President Trump’s efforts to bring about an immediate end to the war in Gaza, especially his initiative to invite key leaders of the Muslim world in New York, earlier this week, for a comprehensive exchange of views for restoration of peace in the Middle East, in particular Gaza and the West Bank.”

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