Dar and Rubio exchange views on world and regional issues, tariffs

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed issues related to trade tariffs as well as world and regional issues, as the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Monday.

The latest contact between Dar, who is also the country’s foreign minister, and Rubio just days after their meeting on Friday where they discussed regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and expanding bilateral trade.

Read more: Dar, Rubio discuss regional peace, counterterrorism efforts

In a post shared on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Following up on their productive meeting last Friday in Washington DC, they discussed key bilateral matters, including tariffs, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.”

The issue of trade tariffs came under discussion between the two foreign ministers from Pakistan and the United States as the August 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump looms.

Representatives from the two countries are currently involved in hectic talks to sort out a trade arrangement.

After their meeting, Rubio had thanked Dar “for Pakistan’s partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability”.

TWO-STATE SOLUTION

Separately, Dar and his Egyptian counterpart Dr Badr Abdel Atty reiterated their unwavering commitment and support to the Palestinian cause.

The two foreign ministers are currently attending the two-day special conference at the United Nations on the two-nation solution.

Read more: ‘No alternative’ to two-state solution: France

They expressed the hope that the event co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia would produce the desired constructive outcome.

Meanwhile, Dar also had an interaction with Bangladesh’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain. They vowed to strengthen Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and stay committed to the Palestinian cause.