US President Donald Trump on Thursday hosted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House for a key bilateral meeting, marking the first formal engagement between Trump and Sharif. The discussions, held in the Oval Office, were described as taking place in a “pleasant atmosphere” and focused on regional security, trade, and strengthening US Pakistan ties.
Trump, speaking to reporters, praised both leaders, calling Sharif a “great leader” and Munir a “very great guy.” The meeting lasted approximately 80 minutes and was attended by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It follows a prior encounter between Trump and Sharif on the margins of the UN General Assembly earlier this week.
Sharif, in the US for the 80th session of the UNGA, is scheduled to address the General Debate on Friday. The discussions at the White House come after a recent trade agreement between the US and Pakistan, which imposes a 19% tariff on Pakistani imports and facilitates US involvement in developing Pakistan’s oil reserves.
Trump has repeatedly claimed his role in mediating the May India-Pakistan ceasefire, a move for which Pakistan has nominated him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. India, however, maintains that the ceasefire was a result of direct military to military talks.
The meeting underscores ongoing efforts to reinforce US-Pakistan relations amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. Historically, the two nations have cooperated closely on regional security, but ties have been strained over issues including counterterrorism and Afghanistan.