White House confirms July 22 meeting between PM Imran, US President Trump

Published
116
President Trump and Prime Minister Khan will discuss counterterrorism, defence, energy, trade, and other issues. — AFP/File
President Trump and Prime Minister Khan will discuss counterterrorism, defence, energy, trade, and other issues. — AFP/File

The White House on Wednesday confirmed that Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet US President Donald J. Trump on July 22.

According to a press release issued by the White House, the US president will welcome the prime minister.

The confirmation came amidst confusion over if the meeting would actually happen.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal had issued a tweet to address questions about the certainty of the visit.

"We wish to caution against speculation about the prime minister's visit. We are in close contact with the US side. As per practice, formal announcements are made at the appropriate time," he had said.

The FO spokesperson's remark had come after a section of the media reported that the US State Department had expressed its ignorance of the visit, which had cast doubt over whether the meeting was actually happening.

"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," read the release, issued on Wednesday by the White House.

"President Trump and PM Imran will discuss a range of issues, including counterterrorism, 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 following PTI's victory in the general elections.

The FO reiterated in a subsequent statement that the premier will visit the US from July 21 to 23 on the invitation of US President Trump.

During the visit, it said, the prime minister will also be meeting prominent members of the US Congress, corporate leaders and opinion makers as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.

According to the statement, the prime minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan".

"In the regional context, the prime minister will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability and the importance of constructive engagement to promote a political solution in Afghanistan."

"He will also highlight Pakistan’s policy of 'peaceful neighbourhood' aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," it added.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told reporters last month that President Trump had invited the prime minister in June but he could not undertake the visit because of the budget session.

The foreign minister had also said that talks between the two leaders would focus on “important regional matters”. Pakistan has helped the United States in jump-starting the ongoing US-Taliban dialogue.

Earlier on January 3, Trump had told a cabinet meeting that he wanted “to have a great relationship with Pakistan, but they house the enemy, they take care of the enemy".

“We just can’t do that. So, I look forward to meeting with the folks from — and the new leadership in Pakistan, we’ll be doing that in the not-too-distant future,” he had said.

Then in March, Trump had said he hoped to meet Pakistani leaders soon as he acknowledged that relations between the two countries are “now very good”.

“Pakistan — we’ll be meeting with Pakistan [leadership]. I think our relationship right now is very good with Pakistan,” he had said.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...