WASHINGTON (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington is committed to expanding its strategic partnership with Pakistan, calling recent improvements in bilateral ties encouraging.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said the United States sees a “significant opportunity” to build on the long history of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in counterterrorism, and strengthen the relationship across economic and regional domains. He said that both countries have overcome difficult phases in the past and that a more comprehensive partnership is now possible.
Rubio noted that the US wants to move beyond a single-track engagement driven only by security concerns. Trade, investment, technology and regional stability are areas where Washington believes meaningful progress can be made. He acknowledged that there will be challenges along the way but said the stronger trajectory of current relations is a positive signal.
Foreign-policy analysts believe the remarks represent a subtle but important recalibration of US priorities in South Asia as Washington re-examines partnerships in the region. They suggest the United States is looking to re-engage with Pakistan at a time when geopolitical alignments are shifting and economic connectivity is becoming a growing focus of diplomacy.
