Pakistan US engagement: Zardari urges structured talks with Trump on trade and security

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari urged closer, planned talks with the United States across key sectors. Zardari made the call in a letter to President Donald Trump, Zardari’s office said on Saturday. The message pointed to energy security, trade, investment, defence and counter-terrorism as priority areas.

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The Presidents Office said the letter marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Zardari congratulated Trump and the American people on the occasion. Zardari also described Pakistan-US ties as long-running, with shared interests and mutual respect shaping the relationship.

Pakistan US relations and structured engagement

Zardari stressed keeping the relationship moving through organised engagement in several fields. The statement listed energy security, trade and investment, defence and counter-terrorism. It also mentioned other areas where both countries share interests. Zardari said this approach would support peace, security and prosperity.

Zardari said links between the countries were improving, with renewed contact and a focus on future cooperation. Zardari described the relationship as moving upward. Zardari also credited the Pakistani-American community for strengthening ties. Zardari said the community acts as a lasting bridge of friendship and understanding.

Pakistan US relations and West Asia diplomacy

Zardari praised the American people’s achievements over the past two and a half centuries. Zardari also welcomed US confidence in Pakistan’s role as a mediator in talks with Iran. Zardari said stability in West Asia depends on talks. Zardari said a lasting settlement needs dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

Zardari also invited President Trump to visit Islamabad at the earliest convenience. The statement did not give a date for a visit. It also did not add details on follow-up steps. The office only described the letter as a formal message tied to the anniversary.

Pakistan US relations and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif message

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sent greetings to Trump and US citizens on the occasion. "Our two nations enjoy a partnership spanning more than seven decades, strengthened by the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani-American community,\" Sharif posted on X. Sharif said Pakistan wanted to deepen ties through respectful and constructive engagement.

With inputs from PTI