US delegation to visit Pakistan this week, minerals & counter-terrorism on agenda

ISLAMABAD: “Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Eric Meyer, will lead an interagency US delegation traveling to Islamabad,” the United States state department said on Saturday.

The US delegation is expected to visit Pakistan from April 8-10, 2025 to discuss US interests in the critical minerals sector at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum. Meyer will also meet with senior Pakistani officials to expand opportunities for American businesses in the country.

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“SBO Meyer will also engage with senior officials to underscore the vital importance of our continued collaboration on counterterrorism,” the US state department said.

The aim of the visit is to advance US interests in the precious minerals sector, while the economic ties between the two countries will be further strengthened.

PAKISTAN’S DELEGATION TO THE US

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also announced on Saturday that Pakistan intends to send a high-level delegation to Washington for long-term trade and strategic partnership.

He said that the ministry will finalise their recommendations in the next few days and will convey the same to the prime minister for approval. “[We want] to get our views across and to ensure that we want to be a partner, which is a long term strategic partner,” the minister said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

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He said, two committees were constituted including a steering group led by the finance minister himself, and a working group headed by the Secretary of Commerce. “You should never let good crisis go to waste. We are looking it both challenge as well as opportunity,” he said adding the government is constructively engaged and working on a package, which can be made part of the discussion with the US administration.

Pakistan wanted to make sure to have win-win situation in medium to long terms for both the counties, the finance minister said, adding that the US was an important strategic partner and also the largest trading partner in terms of exports.