An important meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to take place at the White House on Thursday. The meeting comes just a few weeks after the two countries reached a trade deal, which reflects the growing closeness in bilateral relations.
​According to Reuters, a Trump administration official said on Wednesday that the meeting would include a detailed discussion on global and regional issues. Sources say that Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, will also be part of this important meeting.
​This meeting is taking place at a time when relations between the U.S. and Pakistan have significantly improved under the Trump administration. Previously, Washington had for years viewed Pakistan’s traditional rival, India, as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in Asia.
​In recent months, Washington’s relationship with New Delhi has been strained. The reasons for this include visa issues for Indians, higher tariffs imposed by Trump on Indian goods, and President Trump’s claim to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India following the recent tensions in Kashmir.
​It is worth noting that on July 31, the U.S. and Pakistan announced a trade agreement in which Washington set a 19% tariff rate. President Trump has not yet finalized a trade deal with India.
​According to Reuters, analysts say that after the tensions with Washington, New Delhi is now improving its relations with China. Earlier this year, President Trump hosted Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. This was the first time an American president had invited a Pakistani military chief to the White House without senior Pakistani civilian officials present.
​A senior U.S. State Department official told reporters on Tuesday that “we are working with Pakistan on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, economic, and trade relations.” The official added that “the President is focused on advancing American interests in the region, which includes engaging with Pakistan and its government leadership.”
​When asked about the strained relations with India, the official said that President Trump believes in speaking frankly about the difficulties in the relationship, but that the relationship is strong. Washington considers New Delhi a good friend and partner and their relationship will define the 21st century.
​In addition, Pakistan has supported President Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. However, Pakistan has condemned the bombing of Gaza, Qatar, and Iran by the U.S. ally, Israel.
​Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended a meeting hosted by President Trump with leaders of Muslim-majority countries on Tuesday, where they discussed Israel’s attacks in Gaza. Washington says that during this meeting, the U.S. also shared peace proposals with these leaders.