• DPM Dar receives phone call from US Sec of State Marco Rubio: FO.
  
• Leaders expressed satisfaction over trajectory of Pakistan-US ties.
• Recent regional and international developments also discussed.
  

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reaffirmed their resolve to bolster Pakistan-US ties and strengthen bilateral relations across multifaceted areas of cooperation.

Secretary of State Rubio, as per the Foreign Office, held a call with DPM Dar wherein the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US ties and discussed recent regional and international developments.

The development comes against the backdrop of improving diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Washington — especially following the armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which ended after President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

DPM Dar, back in July, had met Rubio, where the latter praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror.

The meeting was held at the delegation level, with senior officials from both sides in attendance. The two sides discussed a broad range of issues, including bilateral ties, prospects for enhanced cooperation in trade, economy, investment, counter-terrorism, and regional peace.

Soon after the meeting, the two countries announced reaching a trade agreement, which aimed at boosting bilateral trade, improving market access, attracting investment, and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Under the agreement, there will be a reduction in tariffs, particularly on Pakistani exports to the US, and a fresh start in economic cooperation between the two countries, which also includes developing oil reserves.

Earlier this month, Pakistan secured around $500 million investment from the US  in its critical minerals sector under a newly signed agreement with United States Strategic Metals (USSM).

The agreements cover cooperation in the development and processing of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs), as well as logistics services.

The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), Pakistan’s largest miner of critical minerals, inked a landmark MoU with USSM, a leading US-based processor, recycler and miner.

The deal establishes a framework for collaboration across a range of strategic minerals essential for the defence, aerospace, and technology industries.

The cooperation aims to unlock new opportunities in sustainable growth, technology transfer, and job creation, while prioritising environmental responsibility.

Separately, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group to explore long-term partnerships in engineering and construction.

The improving economic, trade and diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington are also to be taken in the context of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir’s multiple high-level visits to the US — including a rare one-on-one meeting with President Trump in June.

The COAS recently visited the US in August for the retirement ceremony of outgoing Commander United States Central Command (Centcom), General Michael E Kurilla, and the Change of Command Ceremony marking the assumption of command by Admiral Brad Cooper.

During the visit, the army chief met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.

Robert Irwin, the son of beloved Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, talked about his connection with his late dad.

In an interview with People Magazine, Robert, who was just 2 years old when Steve tragically died in the accident in 2006, revealed that he feels more close to his dad now.

Robert, 21, said, “The passing of time is so wild, how almost two decades since my dad passed.”

“He’s still part of every day,” he added.

Robert went on to note, “He’s part of every conversation. He’s part of my life. And I feel as though I get a little part of him back in some way, in every conversation I have about him, or any new story I hear about him, or in any new photo that I haven’t seen before.”

“As I start to reach the same sort of milestones that he did as a young bloke growing up, I, yeah, I feel closer to him in a way,” he said.

Adding, “I really do. My dad is like a superhero figure. He’s like this omnipresent, just a superhero to me. And I’m so grateful for that, because while I didn’t have much time with my dad, I have a human being who exemplifies everything I want to be in life.”

Robert Irwin also said that just like his father, he’d rather “play with crocodiles all day” than a desk job.

He said, “I think losing someone as important as him at such a young age solidified the idea that life is fragile.”

“We don’t know what tomorrow holds, so you have to take calculated risks, you have to have fun, enjoy what you’re doing, and give everything 100 percent,” Robert added.

“He is always in some way guiding me,” he noted.