US President Donald Trump on Monday offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan as he hosted Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House.
After shaking hands and pausing for photos, as a large number of Pakistani-Americans gathered outside, Trump welcomed Khan into the White House.
The Pakistani leader held a one-on-one meeting with the US head-of-state, wherein the latter offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
“I will say that we have a very good relationship with India. I know that your relationship was strained a little bit … maybe a lot,” Trump said. “But we will be talking about India, it will be a big part of the conversation today.”
“If I can help, I would love to be a mediator. If I can do anything to help, let me know,” the US president added.
In addition, Khan said: “The USA is the most powerful country in the world and it can play a very important role for peace in the subcontinent.
“Over a billion people at moment are held hostage to Kashmir situation and I believe that President Trump can bring two countries together,” the PM added.
After the one-on-one meeting, there would be an “extended meeting”, wherein Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other military leaders will also be present.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said in a Twitter post: “The Prime Minister of Pakistan is here to showcase his vision of a “Naya Pakistan” and to start a new era of bilateral relations.”
The Prime Minister of Pakistan is here to showcase his vision of a “Naya Pakistan” and to start a new era of bilateral relations. We have come with a narrative of peace and prosperity in the region.#KhanMeetsTrump
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) July 22, 2019
Great meeting with the PM of Pakistan, Imran Khan. @ImranKhanPTI
In my opinion he and his government represent the best opportunity in decades to have a beneficial strategic relationship the US. This will help us secure Afghanistan and the region long-term. pic.twitter.com/sHN07H5Biv
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 22, 2019
