Interior Minister’s high-level huddle with U.S. officials signals renewed momentum in bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2026) In a significant diplomatic engagement, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur on Friday to review the trajectory of Pakistan-U.S. relations, regional security challenges, and avenues for deeper cooperation.

The meeting, attended by Acting U.S. Ambassador Natalie Baker, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and senior officials, unfolded against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical shifts in the middle East and renewed emphasis on counterterrorism coordination.

In his remarks, Naqvi underlined that Pakistan-U.S. relations had strengthened during the tenure of Donald Trump, adding that bilateral ties were anchored in “mutual trust, shared objectives and robust cooperation.”

He highlighted Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating U.S. interests in the region, particularly in areas of counterterrorism and counternarcotics.

A key assurance came when Naqvi reaffirmed foolproof security measures for American companies working on the Reko Diq Project, one of the largest foreign investment ventures in Pakistan. Sources present at the meeting said the discussion also touched upon operational frameworks to ensure long-term investor confidence.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Pushing for stronger people-to-people connectivity, the interior minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire for an early resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the United States—an issue long on the bilateral agenda.

Officials believe the revival of direct air links would boost business, academic exchange, and diaspora engagement.

The evolving Middle East conflict also featured prominently during the dialogue. Naqvi expressed the hope for a “lasting and peaceful settlement”, stressing the need for collective global diplomacy to stem regional volatility.

Kapur, acknowledging Pakistan’s contributions, praised Islamabad’s ongoing efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. Diplomatic observers view his remarks as an encouraging signal of Washington’s recognition of Pakistan’s strategic role.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain momentum on security cooperation and institutional engagements. As diplomatic signals go, Wednesday’s interaction may well mark another step toward recalibrated, forward-looking Pakistan-U.S. relations.