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Days after listing TRF as terror outfit, US praises Pakistan's role in 'counter terrorism'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (July 25) in Washington, lauding the latter for Islamabad's alleged role in 'counter terrorism operations'.
The two leaders Friday gathered for 'comprehensive discussions aimed at bolstering US-Pakistan relations, enhancing trade ties, and addressing regional security challenges,' according to their statements to the press.
In a post on X, Rubio expressed gratitude for 'Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability' and highlighted the focus of their talks on 'expanding bilateral trade and fostering deeper cooperation in the critical minerals and mining sectors.'
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Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional… pic.twitter.com/QZB9RZwIA8 — Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio commended 'Pakistan's continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability.'
The leaders also explored preparations for the upcoming US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, scheduled for August in Islamabad, with a focus on strengthening joint efforts against terrorist groups like ISIS-K to enhance regional security.
Rubio underscored the need for 'expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade' and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the minerals sector, which is increasingly vital due to global demand for critical resources.
According to Arab News, Dar's eight-day US visit includes chairing several United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meetings, as Pakistan holds the rotating presidency this month.
TRF's designation as terror outfit
The meeting follows Rubio's recent announcement that the US will designate The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 deaths.
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