Trump’s Board of Peace sets stage for deeper US-Pakistan cooperation: Envoy

WASHINGTON DC: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said participation in the Board of Peace (BOP) as a founding member would deepen US-Pakistan cooperation, emphasizing that the inaugural BOP meeting is a defining moment in shaping its future framework.

The envoy expressed these views in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV’s anchor person Sana Maqbool a day before the highly anticipated Gaza Board of Peace meeting, being attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. 

The first-of-its-kind meeting, convened at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, aims to define new international dynamics on critical peace issues, particularly Palestine.

Ambassador Sheikh underscored the historic significance of the Board of Peace, describing it as a defining moment in shaping its future framework.

"This meeting of the Board of Peace is actually the first following the signing ceremony in Davos. Since Pakistan has been one of the founder members, and since Pakistan has had a principled position on the issue of Palestine, which actually predates our independent existence, we have been at the forefront of standing up and advocating the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people."

He noted that Pakistan's inclusion among the eight Muslim nation states reflects its steadfast advocacy.

He added that Prime Minister Sharif’s presence signals commitment at the highest level. "Pakistan being a founding member, Prime Minister's presence is certainly significant and indicates Pakistan’s interest and commitment at the highest level."

A 'good looking' phase in US–Pakistan relations

Turning to bilateral relations, Ambassador Sheikh described the current moment as particularly promising.

"Over almost the past eight decades, the relationship has seen its ups and downs, twists and turns, but it has withstood multiple tests of time."

Referring to recent developments, including the India-Pakistan conflict, he stated: "While this relationship has been better in history in terms of the actual situation on ground, I would say that it has never ever been so good looking."

He stressed, however, that positive intent must now translate into action. "It is looking good. We have to make good on it. If last year was the time of improvement in relations, this year is the time for action."

On leadership engagement, he highlighted unprecedented diplomatic momentum. He said, "The leadership… has come together on a number of occasions, which is the ideal of any diplomatic effort. A personal rapport, a personal chemistry… is what makes difference."

 Economic partnership and investment push

 Ambassador Sheikh also announced a major upcoming initiative.

"We are having an unprecedented Pakistan Investment Conference in Washington DC on the 31st of March… fully hosted and organised by the United States Chamber of Commerce."

The conference will focus on minerals, energy, and IT sectors and is expected to be the first in a three-part series.

Emphasising sustainability, he remarked, "Challenges are a fact of life… but surmounting challenges is the act of life."

He further stressed that long-term ties must be economically grounded. "A strategic partnership entrenched in economic ties would outlast me as an ambassador… it would outlast us as a generation,” he added.

Ambassador Sheikh framed the relationship in strategic terms, saying, "The Pakistan-United States relationship has been a fact of history. It will be… a very consequential fact of future.”

With Prime Minister Sharif’s visit and the Board of Peace meeting underway, Pakistan appears poised to expand its diplomatic footprint, both in advancing Palestinian advocacy and deepening strategic ties with the United States.

Pakistan’s strategic position and UN role

Highlighting Pakistan's geopolitical standing, Ambassador Sheikh pointed to its current position at the United Nations. He said, "Pakistan happens to be on the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council. We are an elected member and this is the second and final year of our term… We also have to carry some extra responsibility in terms of taking everybody along."

Addressing criticism from some countries hesitant to join the Board, he said, "The Board is at its nascent stage… tomorrow’s meeting would incrementally lay out perhaps the next few steps and define the contours of not just the way forward but the modus operandi."