The Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has returned to London after completing a two-day visit to the United States of America (USA), where he attended the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace.
The PM had left for Washington from London on Wednesday. Before visiting the US, he had spent two days in Austria.
He arrived in London on Monday after finishing his studies in Austria and then travelled to the United States.
US President praised Pakistani leadership
Speaking at the meeting, President Trump described Field Marshal Asim Munir as “a great commander and a tough fighter”.
He said the Pakistani military chief had supported efforts to prevent wider conflict in the region.
The US president also thanked Prime Minister Sharif for backing the ceasefire efforts.
“I like him very much,” Mr Trump said, adding that Pakistan had played a constructive role in promoting stability.
He further claimed that his administration had helped reduce tensions between Pakistan and India through diplomatic and economic measures.
Focus on Gaza
Much of the meeting centred on the situation in Gaza. President Trump said the conflict remained complex and criticised Hamas.
He expressed hope that the group would lay down its arms under a proposed agreement.
He also said progress could be made in discussions involving Iran.
The Gaza Board of Peace was formed earlier this year as part of US-led diplomatic efforts to coordinate international support for a ceasefire and long-term reconstruction in the territory.
According to US officials, countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are part of the initiative.
Aid, reconstruction pledges
President Trump said members of the board had pledged $7bn in assistance for Gaza.
He added that the United States would provide $10bn for reconstruction.
He also said that FIFA would contribute $75m towards development projects.
The president said the aim was to create conditions for a stable and properly governed Gaza, while avoiding further military intervention.
There was no immediate response from Hamas or Iranian officials to the comments made at the meeting.
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