Upcoming high-level US visits to enhance bilateral ties with focus on minerals, regional security

ISLAMABAD: With the tariff crisis worsening, diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington are gaining momentum, as two high-level US delegations are set to visit the capital this week, reported the Business Recorder.

The first delegation, led by Eric Meyer, the Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, will arrive in Islamabad from April 8 to 10, 2025. The objective of the visit is to enhance bilateral cooperation in the critical minerals sector and to bolster economic and security ties between the United States and Pakistan.

During his visit, Meyer is scheduled to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, where he will emphasize US interest in aiding Pakistan’s initiatives to attract foreign investment in its abundant mineral resources, as stated by the US Embassy in Islamabad. The forum is anticipated to be a vital opportunity for American companies to explore business prospects, especially in the extraction and processing of critical minerals necessary for clean energy technologies and modern industries.

Meyer is also expected to engage with senior Pakistani officials to discuss ways to expand economic collaboration and encourage greater involvement of the US private sector in Pakistan’s mineral development. These discussions form part of a broader US strategy to diversify global supply chains for critical minerals and to decrease reliance on limited sources.

Pakistan sees stronger US ties as investment, trade talks progress 

In addition to economic discussions, Meyer will highlight the importance of ongoing US-Pakistan cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. He aims to engage with Pakistani counterparts to reinforce these initiatives, reiterating Washington’s commitment to regional security and stability.

The second US delegation, comprising members of Congress, is slated to visit Pakistan from April 10 to 15. Led by Congress members General Jack Bergman and Tom Suozzi, this delegation will meet with Pakistan’s key political and military leaders during their week-long stay. Meetings are planned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and leaders of major political parties. The delegation will also travel to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where they will receive briefings on the current situation in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the security conditions along the Line of Control (LoC). Additionally, they will visit the Kartarpur Corridor to pay respects at the shrine of Baba Guru Nanak.

The congressional delegation’s visit aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States, focusing on various key areas including economy, trade, defense, military, and education.