WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has emerged from the White House to welcome Prime Minister Imran Khan who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. 

While talking to Media before the formal meeting Donald Trump holding that US wanted good terms with Pakistan expressed hope, that following the talks, relations between the two countries would ameliorate.  Trump noted that Imran Khan was the most popular PM of Pakistan that he called a strong country. Stating that Washington was working with Islamabad to find a way out of the war in Afghanistan he acknowledged that Pakistan was playing its due role towards efforts being made for enduring peace in Afghanistan. US President also said that due to Pakistan’s role hundreds of thousands of people would escape death. Imran Khan said Pakistan fought as a frontline state both during Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and also in war on terror.

PM Imran Khan reiterated that negotiation was the only one solution to Afghanistan dilemma. Imran Khan also claimed that peace deal with the Taliban was closer than it had ever been. Savants at the helm of affairs maintain that principal purpose of PM’s US visit was to encourage Pakistan to sustain its efforts to contain terrorists within its territory.

Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issue: “If I can help, I would love to be a mediator…If I can do anything to help, let me know.” To which PM held that if Trump would, he would “have the prayers of more than a billion people”. Imran Khan said that US – the most powerful country in the world could play important rule in bringing peace to Sub-Continent: “There are over a billion and quarter people in the subcontinent, they are held hostage to the issue of Kashmir, and I feel that only the most powerful state, headed by President Trump, can bring the two countries together. From my point, I can tell you we have tried our best, we have made all overtures to India to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue, but unfortunately we haven’t made headway as yet. But I am hoping that President Trump would push this process.”

President Trump informing that India had also asked him to mediate* held: “I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago. We talked about the subject and he actually said, ‘Would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?’. I said where, he said Kashmir, because it has been going on for many, many years. I was surprised to know how long it has been going on. I think they would like to see it resolved, you would like to see it resolve and if I can help, I would love to become a mediator.” President further said that he had heard so much about Kashmir : “It’s a beautiful place.”

Stating that US was willing to invest in Pakistan President Trump noted that Pakistan was a vast country that produced a large number of commodities. He said that he saw great trade relationship between the two countries. Donald Trump said depending on the outcome of talks the resumption of aid to Pakistan was possible. NPTV correspondent, deciphering this statement noted that, US wanted Pakistan to contain terrorists and to pressure Taliban into permanent ceasefire and participation in inter-Afghan negotiations that would include the Afghan government.” 

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‘Fact Sheet’ issued by White House:

• President Trump is working to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan on issues that are vital to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the South Asia region.
• President Trump has made clear that he wants to see peace and stability in the region. The US president acknowledges the initial steps Pakistan has taken to improve regional security and counter terrorism.
• Pakistan has made efforts to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks, and Islamabad will be asked to further enhance its efforts.
• The path to a strong and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States lies in working together to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan.
• Pakistan has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan.
• It is vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all.
• The United States and Pakistan enjoy a strong economic partnership that benefits both of countries.
• The United States and Pakistan set a new record for bilateral trade in 2018 of $6.6 billion.
• United States exports to Pakistan reached a record high of $2.8 billion in 2018, supporting approximately 10,000 American jobs.
• The United States is the largest export market for Pakistan’s goods.
• Our trade relationship with Pakistan has been especially beneficial for American farmers.
• The United States exported $1.4 billion in agricultural products to Pakistan in 2018.
• Over the past 15 years, the United States has been one of the top five investors in Pakistan.
• American energy producers are seeing more and more business opportunities with Pakistan.
• American companies are incorporating cutting-edge technologies into energy projects throughout Pakistan.
• American companies have competed to win more than $3 billion in energy-related business in Pakistan.
• Pakistan has purchased extensive amounts of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), including 22.8 billion cubic feet of LNG from March 2017 to April 2019.
• ExxonMobil reestablished its presence in Pakistan in 2018 after 27 years and is working to increase LNG imports.

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* It is pertinent to mention here that Trump’s claim that India had requested him for arbitration in the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan has been denied by the spokesman of Indian Ministry of External Affairs .