Asif stresses importance of sustained dialogue for regional peace, security in meeting with US envoy

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday underscored the importance of sustained engagement and dialogue to achieve shared objectives of regional peace and security during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, Natalie met the defence minister in Islamabad, during which Asif “emphasised the importance of continued engagement and constructive dialogue to achieve shared objectives of regional peace, security and stability”.

The ministry stated that the discussions centred on matters of mutual interest, including the regional and international security situation, as well as ways further to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

The meeting was held in a “cordial and constructive environment”, the ministry said, reflecting the commitment of both sides to maintain regular communication and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

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Last month, Member of the House of Representatives (State of Montana) Ryean Keith and Member of the House of Representatives (State of Washington) Michael James visited Pakistan and acknowledged Islamabad's role in promoting regional stability and economic resilience in a meeting with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir

The US delegation thanked military leadership for its hospitality and expressed a shared commitment to strengthening economic, commercial and institutional ties between the United States and Pakistan.

Pakistan and the US have maintained a long-standing relationship encompassing security, counterterrorism, trade, investment and regional stability. While bilateral ties have experienced periods of cooperation and strain over the decades, both countries have continued to engage through diplomatic, military and economic channels.

More recently, Islamabad and Washington have sought to strengthen ties following the US-Iran-Israel conflict, during which Pakistan supported diplomatic efforts that contributed to a ceasefire. Since then, US President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged Pakistan's role and praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Munir for their efforts.