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Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif presented rare earth minerals to Donald Trump at the White House, aiming to boost Pakistan-US ties.
Donald Trump with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir (X)
In a bid to worm its way back into the United States’ good books, Pakistani Prime Minister Asim Munir and Army Chief Asim Munir presented its rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House last week.
The photograph, shared by the White House, showed Munir presenting a wooden box that contained the rare earth minerals as Trump looked on during the meeting in the Oval Office. Sharif, who was also present, was seen standing with a smile.
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The photo surfaced days after Trump hosted Sharif at the Oval Office on Thursday. The talks, which top Pakistan government sources described as “highly significant and security-focused,” also included US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting reportedly continued for about ninety minutes.
Top Pakistan government sources disclosed that the Oval Office discussions stretched beyond security, covering economic engagement, counterterrorism, and investment opportunities. The United States, they said, has expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s rare earth minerals, potential in crypto mining, and prospects for oil exploration.
Shehbaz described Trump as a “man of peace” for his “sincere efforts” to end conflicts around the globe, according to a statement from his office.
Sharif expressed confidence that under Trump’s leadership, the Pakistan-US partnership would be “further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries”, the statement said.
He also invited the US companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, IT, mines and minerals, and energy sectors, the statement added.
Earlier this month, a US metals company, United States Strategic Metals (USSM), signed a $500 million investment deal with Pakistan. The agreements cover the export of critical minerals, including antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earth elements, and envisage the eventual establishment of processing facilities in Pakistan.
In August, Islamabad unveiled what Munir called its “treasure” to the US and reached a trade agreement that Pakistan hoped would attract American investment in its mineral and oil reserves.
Earlier this year, the Pakistan PM claimed that the country possesses mineral reserves worth trillions of dollars, and foreign investment in the mineral sector could help the country overcome its prolonged financial crisis
The minerals, considered essential for industry, defence, and clean-energy technologies, have heightened global interest.
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
September 28, 2025, 15:49 IST
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