PM Imran to meet US President Trump today at White House

WASHINGTON DC: Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet today at the White House and have their first one-on-one meeting.

The US leader will accompany him on a White House tour that will give them more time “to mingle and chat”, according to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Analysts believe that personal chemistry between President Trump, a property developer turned reality TV star, and PM Imran, World Cup-winning captain of the Pakistan cricket team, may be decisive as both came to office after achieving fame away from politics.

The premier is expected to attend two sessions, a small group meeting and an extended meeting, during his maiden visit to the White House since assuming office in August last. The first meeting will be in the Oval Office and the second in the cabinet room.

The talks will mark an effort by the two leaders to reset ties between the two countries.

It will expand bilateral cooperation on trade and investment as well as work toward peace in South Asia at large and Afghanistan in particular.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will interact with top American lawmakers and Pakistan Caucus on the Capitol Hill.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Special Assistant on Overseas Zulfikar Bukhari and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, are accompanying the Prime Minister.