WASHINGTON – The White House confirmed on Wednesday that President, Donald Trump would be welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on July 22.
According to a press release issued by the White House, President Donald J. Trump and Imran Khan would discuss issues ranging from peace, stability to enduring partnership between Islamabad and Washington.
“The visit will focus on strengthening cooperation between the US and Pakistan to bring peace, stability, and economic prosperity to a region that has seen far too much conflict,” stated the press release.
“President Trump and Prime Minister Khan will discuss a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, defense, energy, and trade, with the goal of creating the conditions for a peaceful South Asia and an enduring partnership between our two countries,” the statement added.
This will be Imran Khan’s first visit to the US since assuming power last year; the visit is crucial owing to the ongoing negotiations between Afghan Taliban and Trump administration for which Pakistan has played a pivotal role.
The communique cleared the air over Imran Khan’s much anticipated visit as earlier the Department of State said the White House has not confirmed reports of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit.
During a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald Trump is not confirmed.
To my knowledge, that has actually not been confirmed by the White House. I know that I have read the same reports that you have, but I would reach out to the White House to confirm or not confirm that visit, but that’s — we don’t have anything to announce here from the State Department, Ortagus said.
