Ishaq Dar discusses bilateral matters with US Secretary

Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar and United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio have had a telephone conversation and discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and economic cooperation.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office, discussions were held on issues arising from US military equipment and weapons left in Afghanistan.

In this regard, the US Secretary of State acknowledged Pakistan’s successful efforts against terrorism and expressed his desire to increase cooperation with Pakistan in various sectors, especially precious minerals.

However, the discussion emphasized the importance of cooperation in trade, investment, and counterterrorism.

The Foreign Office further added that Pakistan reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States.

At last, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and promote common interests.

Earlier, Iran has repeatedly said it will not negotiate directly with the United States (US). The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has strongly reacted to the policy adopted by US President Donald Trump in this regard.

Major General Mohammad Bagheri  said on Sunday that Trump recently wrote a letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which was responded to appropriately. The statement said that any attack on Iran would be met with a decisive response.

He said that Tehran has emphasized in its response that it wants to calm the situation in the region.

Additionally, he explained that his country also confirmed in the letter that it was “seeking to possess nuclear weapons. It continues to meet the needs of its people through its nuclear program.”

Added to that, he pointed out that Iranian officials once again made it clear in their response that they “have not closed the path to negotiations and have kept the door open for indirect negotiations, but for this it is necessary that the other party express sincere commitment.”