Trump asks Pakistan to achieve Afghan peace goal before his visit.

Byline: SHAFQAT ALI

ISLAMABAD -- United States President Donald Trump has asked Pakistan to achieve the peace goal in Afghanistan before his possible visit to PakiAstan, diplomatic sources said.

The sources told The Nation that while the US President acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan regarding the US-Taliban talks, he believed 'much needed to be done' on the Afghan front.

President Trump, the sources said, acceptAed an invitation from Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan but hinted the visit would be at 'appropriate' time when there is some big breakthrough on the Afghan peace. Pakistan is already supporting talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan met President Donald Trump at the White House. This was the first summit-level engagement between Pakistan and the United States since 2015. Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammed Faisal said Pakistan was ready to welcome President Trump. He tweeted: '@POTUS (President Trump) accepts @ImranKhanPTI (PM Khan) invite to visit Pakistan. We welcome u (you) Mr President. #pakusnewdawn.'

PM Khan and President Trump held comAprehensive discussions with a focus on buildAing a broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States and strengthening cooperation between the two countries to bring peace, stability and ecoAnomic prosperity in South Asia.

Prime Minister Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continue to support the proAcess in good faith. He added that pursuing the process was a shared responsibility.

The two leaders vowed to work together across a broad range of areas. Both leaders acknowledged the immense opportunity and potential for mutually beneficial collaboraAtion in diverse fields such as trade, investAment, energy, economic connectivity, and defense and security cooperation.

A foreign ministry statement issued here yesterday said Prime Minister Imran Khan met President Donald Trump at the White House which was the first summit-level enAgagement between Pakistan and the United States since 2015.

'The two leaders affirmed their resolve to work together across a broad range of areas. Both leaders acknowledged the immense opportunity and potential for mutually benAeficial collaboration in diverse fields such as trade, investment, energy, economic connecAtivity, and defence and security cooperation. Prime Minister Khan invited the US corporate sector to invest in Pakistan. It was decided to establish a mechanism to...