“Pakistani Leadership Showcases Rare Earth Minerals at White House, Paving Way for Strategic US-Pakistan Partnership”

By Manisha Sahu, America News World

September 29, 2025

Washington, D.C. — In a landmark meeting at the White House on Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir presented rare earth minerals to former US President Donald Trump, signaling a renewed chapter in Pakistan-US relations. The high-profile meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes and was attended by US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

A photograph released by the White House captured a moment from the meeting: Trump inspecting an open wooden box containing the rare minerals while Munir pointed out specific pieces and Sharif observed nearby. The visit marked the first time in six years that a Pakistani prime minister has been welcomed at the White House, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement.

Sharif, in a statement from his office, lauded Trump as a “man of peace” for what he described as the former president’s “sincere efforts” to end global conflicts. The prime minister also expressed gratitude for a tariff agreement reached in July, under which Pakistani imports to the United States will be subject to a 19% tariff while Washington will provide support in the development of Pakistan’s oil reserves.

“The Pakistan-US partnership will be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries,” Sharif emphasized. During the discussions, he also extended invitations to American companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, information technology, mineral resources, and energy sectors, highlighting the country’s economic potential and growth opportunities.

The White House visit comes amid a period of improved bilateral relations after years of strained ties. Pakistan has been actively seeking American investment in its mineral sector, a strategic move as the country aims to capitalize on its vast natural resources. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation signed a significant agreement with Missouri-based US Strategic Metals to establish a poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan’s National Logistics Corp entered into a deal with Portugal’s Mota-Engil Group, a major engineering and construction firm, to enhance infrastructure and mining operations.

According to Sharif’s office, these agreements will facilitate cooperation between the United States and Pakistan in the extraction and export of copper, gold, rare earth elements, tungsten, and antimony. The statement highlighted that the partnership would begin immediately with the export of readily available minerals, signaling a potential boost in Pakistan’s mineral trade and a new avenue for American businesses seeking global investment opportunities.

Sharif has previously stated that Pakistan holds mineral reserves valued at trillions of dollars, suggesting that strategic foreign investment in mining could significantly reduce the nation’s debt burden and bolster its economic stability. Most of these reserves are concentrated in the southwestern province of Balochistan, a region that has historically faced separatist violence and political instability.

Adding to the complexity, in August, the US State Department designated the Balochistan National Army and its Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations, a move likely to affect resource extraction and mining operations in the area. Despite these challenges, Pakistan continues to position itself as a key player in the global minerals market and is actively seeking partnerships to unlock its resource potential.

The meeting also reflected a broader strategic dimension. Pakistan’s mineral wealth, particularly in rare earth elements, is increasingly valuable on the global stage as countries like the United States aim to secure critical minerals for technology, defense, and energy sectors. Rare earth elements are essential components in electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems, making Pakistan a potentially important partner for Washington in diversifying its supply chains.

Sharif’s engagement with Trump, Vance, and Rubio underscored Islamabad’s commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties with the United States. By showcasing its mineral resources, Pakistan is signaling both its readiness for foreign investment and its intention to become a stable and reliable partner in the global minerals market.

The visit concluded with optimism from both sides regarding future collaborations. With agreements in place and new avenues for investment opened, Pakistan’s rare earth and mineral sector may see accelerated growth, providing opportunities for American companies while also helping Islamabad address its economic challenges.

As global interest in strategic minerals intensifies, the White House meeting could mark the beginning of a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Pakistan, built on resource cooperation, economic engagement, and shared geopolitical interests.