It is likely that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Pakistan after a seven-year absence. Sources suggest the visit could occur in October, with both sides currently finalizing the schedule. This visit is viewed as important by the Pakistani government, who are keen to host Rubio. The potential trip is seen as evidence of a policy change under the Trump administration, as Pakistan works to strengthen its ties with the US. This comes after recent visits to the US by Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. This new approach by the United States is noteworthy. Analysts believe that the United States is interested in Pakistan’s deposits of rare earth minerals. Rubio alluded to this in a statement on Pakistan’s Independence Day, expressing the US’s interest in exploring economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons. President Donald Trump has also announced a deal between the US and Pakistan to collaborate on the development of Pakistani oil reserves, opening potential new economic avenues, including possible oil sales to India.
US Secretary of State Rubio’s Planned Pakistan Trip: A Focus on Minerals and Economic Cooperation?
