Pakistan, US agree to strengthen academic and think tank exchanges

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to expand cooperation between think tanks and academic institutions to promote mutual understanding and encourage discussions on regional and international developments.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and former US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Ambassador Robin Raphel on Tuesday.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and reviewed the positive direction of bilateral relations.

Dar welcomed the improving relationship between Islamabad and Washington and stressed the need for continued engagement to expand cooperation across different areas.

Both sides agreed that stronger links between research organisations and academic institutions in the two countries would provide opportunities for constructive dialogue and a better understanding of regional and global challenges.

The diplomatic engagement comes as US President Donald Trump has nominated Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker as Washington’s next ambassador to Pakistan, potentially ending a nearly two-year gap in the appointment of a permanent envoy.

The White House submitted her nomination to the US Senate on Monday. Her appointment will require Senate confirmation. If approved, Baker will become the first US ambassador to Pakistan since Donald Blome left the position in early 2025.

Pakistan-US relations have witnessed a notable improvement during Trump’s second presidential term, with both countries expanding engagement on security, diplomacy and economic matters.

Counterterrorism cooperation and developments in South Asia have played an important role in bringing the two sides closer. In March 2025, Trump publicly praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, signalling a shift towards greater cooperation.

Relations gained further momentum following the Pakistan-India military confrontation in May 2025, when Trump claimed credit for helping secure a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan welcomed his intervention, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently nominating the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trump also praised Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their roles in regional diplomacy. His engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership included a meeting with Munir over lunch, followed by discussions at US Central Command headquarters.

The relationship received another boost when Pakistan was included in Trump’s proposed Board of Peace following the Gaza ceasefire. During the initiative’s inaugural summit, the US president praised Shehbaz and recalled his efforts to prevent further escalation between Pakistan and India.

In June 2026, Trump also credited Pakistan with helping Washington secure a peace agreement with Iran, while publicly appreciating the contributions of Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir.

The latest agreement on academic and think tank exchanges reflects the two countries’ interest in broadening bilateral engagement beyond traditional security cooperation and creating additional channels for dialogue on international affairs.