US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is likely to visit Pakistan after seven years. A Pakistani journalist claimed that Rubio may visit the nation around October.
The two sides are engaged in discussions to finalise the dates, and it would be a significant visit for the Pakistani leadership, which is eager to welcome Rubio. Mike Pompeo last visited the nation in 2018.
Rubio’s visit is being seen as a policy shift of the Trump administration, and Pakistan is making efforts to strengthen its ties with the superpower. Earlier, Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir officially visited the United States twice. The sudden change in the stance of the United States is quite interesting.
Experts say the US is eyeing the rare earth minerals in Pakistan. The US Secretary of State clearly hinted at this in his greeting to Pakistan on its Independence Day on August 14.
Rubio said in a statement, “The United States deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade. We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis.”
Last month, US President Donald Trump stated, “We have just concluded a deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves. We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India some day!”
