NextFin news, On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., where they showcased a wooden box containing rare earth minerals from Pakistan. The meeting, held in the Oval Office, also included US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lasted approximately an hour and a half.
The presentation of rare earth minerals was part of Pakistan's strategic effort to foster closer ties with the United States and attract foreign investment into its mineral sector. This move follows a recent $500 million investment agreement between a US metals company and Pakistan's Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), the country's largest miner of critical minerals.
General Munir has previously described Pakistan's mineral wealth as a "treasure" capable of reducing the country's debt burden and transforming its economy. Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan's vast mineral reserves, claiming they are worth trillions of US dollars and highlighting the potential for foreign investment to alleviate Pakistan's prolonged economic crisis.
However, most of Pakistan's mineral reserves are located in the Balochistan province, a region affected by separatist unrest and security challenges, complicating extraction efforts. Despite these difficulties, the Pakistani government remains committed to expanding mining operations and developing value chains with international partners.
The US Embassy in Pakistan welcomed the recent agreements and the presentation of minerals, viewing these developments as steps toward strengthening bilateral relations. Additionally, Pakistan signed a separate agreement with Portugal's Mota-Engil Group to further develop its mining sector.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif described President Trump as a "man of peace" and credited him with mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim that New Delhi has repeatedly disputed. Earlier in 2025, the US and Pakistan reached a trade deal allowing Washington to assist in developing Pakistan's oil reserves.
The Pakistani leadership's gesture to showcase rare earth minerals aligns with US interests in reducing dependence on Chinese dominance in the supply chain of these critical resources. The meeting underscores Pakistan's ongoing efforts to pivot strategically toward the US for economic and geopolitical support.
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