Pakistan and the United States on Friday discussed expanding cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts during a meeting in Islamabad between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur.

Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and the federal interior secretary also attended the meeting, according to an official statement.

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Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest situation in the Middle East, the statement said.

Naqvi said Pakistan-US relations had strengthened during President Donald Trump’s tenure and described ties between the two countries as being based on mutual trust and bilateral cooperation.

The interior minister said Pakistan had ensured “foolproof security” for American companies working on the Reko Diq mining project in southwestern Balochistan province and also expressed Pakistan’s desire for the early resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the United States.

In February, the United States earmarked $1.3 billion for the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, aimed at supporting the extraction of mineral reserves in Balochistan. Construction work has already commenced at the mining site, and commercial production is expected to begin in 2028.

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Pakistan’s mineral-rich landscape covers an outcrop area of 600,000 square kilometres. With 92 known minerals, 52 of which are commercially exploited, Pakistan produces an estimated 68.52 million metric tons of minerals annually. The sector supports over 5,000 operational mines and 50,000 small and medium-scale enterprises, providing direct employment to 300,000 workers.

Discussing regional developments, Naqvi said he remained hopeful for a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.

Kapur praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, according to the statement.

Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12.

However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to bring the conflict to an end.

Since then, the two sides have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.