President Donald Trump met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House yesterday.
Alongside Imran Khan, Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also met with members of the current US administration. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Qamar Javed Bajwa also accompanied the country’s prime minister in his maiden trip to the USA.
During their meeting in the Oval Office, President Trump said that he would be wiling to “mediate” on the issue of Kashmir. He also described it as a beautiful place. Donald Trump also revealed that India’s prime minister Narendra Modi asked him to mediate on Kashmir.
Source: @WhiteHouse
In response, prime minister Imran Khan admitted that it would be great if the USA could mediate on this everlasting issue.
Both leaders also spoke about Afghanistan and the crucial role Pakistan can play in establishing peace and stability in the region. Donald Trump also expressed the view that US withdrawal from Afghanistan is very much dependent on Pakistan’s input in the peace process. He additionally added that “Pakistan will save millions of lives” because of its practical contributions to the Afghan peace settlement.
Many commentators, including critics of the Pakistani prime minister, described the meeting with the US President as a resounding success. Additionally, political pundits said that this trip has proved to be a victory for the country’s foreign policy because the plight of Kashmir was highlighted on an international stage.
Thoughts and Reaction
The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump expressed her delight at hosting Imran Khan in Washington DC. In a social media post, the First Lady acknowledged that it was “great to have Prime Minister” Imran Khan visiting the White House. Mrs Trump also tweeted pictures of her meeting with Imran Khan.
Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also expressed his thoughts on the successful meeting between the two leaders. After the press conference, he tweeted: “This is a new chapter in Pakistan-US relations”.
Mr Qureshi also expressed his joy at the US President acknowledging Pakistan’s ongoing positive effort in restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
