Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has pushed for closer, carefully planned talks with the United States across several key sectors. His office said on Saturday that Zardari made the appeal in a letter to President Donald Trump, singling out energy security, trade, investment, defence and counter-terrorism as priority areas.
According to the Presidents Office, the letter was timed to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Zardari congratulated Trump and the American people on the occasion and described Pakistan-US relations as a long-running partnership built on shared interests and mutual respect.
A Push for Structured Engagement
Zardari argued that the relationship should keep advancing through organised engagement in multiple fields. The statement listed energy security, trade and investment, defence and counter-terrorism, along with other areas where the two countries share interests. This approach, he said, would strengthen peace, security and prosperity.
He noted that ties between the two nations were improving, with renewed contact and a clear focus on future cooperation, and described the relationship as moving upward. Zardari also credited the Pakistani-American community for reinforcing the bond, calling it a lasting bridge of friendship and understanding.
Iran and West Asia
Zardari praised the achievements of the American people over the past two and a half centuries. He welcomed US confidence in Pakistan's role as a mediator in talks with Iran, saying stability in West Asia depends on dialogue and that any lasting settlement requires dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.
He also invited Trump to visit Islamabad at the earliest convenience. The statement gave no date for such a visit and offered no details on follow-up steps, describing the letter simply as a formal message tied to the anniversary.
Shehbaz Sharif Joins the Greetings
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sent his wishes to Trump and US citizens for 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. He added that Pakistan wanted to deepen ties through respectful and constructive engagement.
