WASHINGTON, ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to American companies to invest in Pakistan during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday.

Sharif was accompanied by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in what observers describe as a clear indication of thawing ties between Islamabad and Washington after years of strained relations.

During the talks, Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s agriculture, technology, mining, and energy sectors as key areas for U.S. investment. He reiterated his confidence that under Trump’s leadership, bilateral cooperation could expand to the benefit of both countries. Trump has previously urged American firms to explore energy resources in Pakistan.

While the White House has yet to release an official statement, Trump praised both Sharif and Munir ahead of the meeting, telling reporters in the Oval Office that the two were “very great guys.”

The discussions also touched on the conflict in Gaza. The Prime Minister’s Office said Sharif commended Trump’s “efforts to bring about an immediate end to the war.” Pakistan, alongside other Muslim-majority nations, has stepped up its engagement in Middle Eastern affairs.

Earlier in the week, Sharif joined other leaders from Muslim countries at the United Nations General Assembly, where Trump outlined a 21-point peace plan for the Middle East. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that the proposal could lead to “some sort of breakthrough.”

Pakistan’s growing regional role has been underscored by its recent defense pact with Saudi Arabia, reflecting heightened concerns among Arab nations over security challenges. As the world’s only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority country and home to the largest standing army in the Islamic world, Pakistan remains a pivotal player in regional geopolitics.