Pakistan president writes to Trump, seeks structured engagement with US across key sectors

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has called for expanding bilateral engagement with the United States across key sectors, including energy security, trade, investment, defence and counter-terrorism, while inviting President Donald Trump to visit Islamabad.

In a letter sent to Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence, Zardari congratulated the American president and people on the milestone and highlighted what he described as the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US relations.

According to a statement issued by the President's Office on Saturday, Zardari said the two countries share a longstanding partnership founded on mutual respect, common interests and a commitment to promoting peace, security and prosperity.

He stressed the need to sustain the recent momentum in bilateral ties through structured cooperation in strategic sectors, including energy, commerce, investment, defence and counter-terrorism, as well as other areas of mutual interest.

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Zardari said the vibrant Pakistani-American community has further strengthened the ties between the two countries and serves as a ”lasting bridge of friendship and understanding.”

He said that the ties between the two countries are on an “ascendant trajectory, characterised by renewed engagement and a shared determination to build a stronger, future-oriented partnership.” Zardari praised the remarkable achievements of the American people over the past two and a half centuries that have contributed significantly to global progress and prosperity.

He also expressed appreciation for the trust and confidence placed by the US in Pakistan’s role as a mediator in negotiations with Iran.

Zardari expressed his firm conviction that a sustainable solution to the West Asia conflict can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

He also invited President Trump to Islamabad ”at his earliest convenience.”

With inputs from agencies