Islamabad:
A day after the landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the White House, Pakistan repeated his opposition to a military solution on Thursday and emphasized diplomacy as the preferred way of resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
On his weekly news briefing, spokesman for the Foreign Office Shafqat Ali Khan declared that the Pakistani delegation, led by the Field Marshal, probably conveyed Islamabad’s concerns and attitude to the escalating conflict during the meeting.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also released a statement confirming a “detailed exchange” between the two pages of the prevailing tensions of the Middle East, especially the Israel-IRan situation. Both leaders allegedly emphasized the need for a peaceful decision through dialogue.
Answer to a question about President Trump’s remark that “Pakistan is not happy with the situation,” the spokesman said the field marshal has clearly communicated Pakistan’s attitude and concerns below discussions at a high level
“Pakistan’s authoritative attitude is communicated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s statement, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar’s, statement in the Senate. So you put two together, you can understand what must have been communicated by our side, our concerns,” the spokesman explained.
However, he would not say that there was any role for Pakistan in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “But what we can say is that we condemn what Israel is doing in Iran. It is contrary to all rules of civilized behavior, intergovernmental conditions, international law and international humanitarian law. This is very clear.”
“We prefer and are open to supporting any diplomatic effort that can lead to the shell and restoration of peace,” he said.
Sources said the Trump administration was told that diplomacy was the only way forward and any other means of resolving the conflict would have far -reaching consequences.
Trump and his team were informed by the Pakistani side of the probable consequences, prompting the US president to tell journalists later that Pakistan knew more about Iran than many others.
Meanwhile, the military’s media wing on Thursday gave more details of the White House meeting and what happened in over two hours long exchange with Trump.
High -level engagement was planned on the cabinet over lunch, followed by a visit to the oval office.
President Trump was accompanied by State Secretary Marco Rubio, and Mr. Steve Witkoff, the US special representative of Middle Eastern affairs. Field Marshal Asim Munir, together with Pakistan’s national security adviser.
During the meeting, the chief of staff conveyed the deep understanding of the government and the population of Pakistan of President Trump’s constructive and result -oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis.
COAs recognized President Trump’s state crew and his ability to understand and tackle the multifaceted challenges facing global society.
President Trump, in turn, paid tribute to Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability and appreciated the robust cooperation on counter -terrorism between the two states. Both sides confirmed their commitment to continued terrorist cooperation.
Discussions also included opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation on several domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency and new technologies. President Trump expressed great interest in forging a mutually advantageous trade partnership with Pakistan based on long -term strategic convergence and common interests.
President Trump famous Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership and determination during a period of complex regional dynamics. In a gesture that reflects the heat of bilateral ties, Field Marskalk Syed Asim Munir expanded an invitation to President Trump on behalf of Pakistan’s government to make an official visit to Pakistan on a mutually practical date.
Although it was originally scheduled for an hour, the meeting expanded for over two hours, emphasizing the depth and cordiality of the dialogue. “The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the long -standing partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built on Common Objectives of Peace, Stability and Prosperity,” ISPR said.
Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump discussed trade, economic development and cryptocurrency during their White House meeting on Wednesday, the army said.
“President Trump expressed great interest in forge a mutually advantageous trade partnership with Pakistan based on long -term strategic convergence and common interests,” the army said in a statement on Thursday.
(With additional input from Reuters)
