US president praises PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir during Cairo press conference
CAIRO / WASHINGTON — In a moment that drew global attention, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed his wish for Pakistan and India to “live as the best of neighbours,” while emphasizing the need for lasting peace between the two nuclear-armed nations. His remarks came during a press conference in Cairo, held shortly after the signing of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Standing alongside Egyptian and Qatari officials who played a central role in brokering the deal, President Trump said that with peace finally taking hold in Gaza, the world should now “turn towards peace and stability in South Asia as well.”
“I truly hope Pakistan and India can become the best of neighbours,” Trump remarked. “It’s time for these two great nations to look forward.” His statement quickly became a topic of discussion among diplomats and analysts around the world.
During the event, President Trump turned to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was in attendance, and called him a “great leader.” The prime minister smiled and lightened the moment by recalling a past confrontation, saying, “We had shot down seven of their planes,” prompting laughter among the attendees.
In an unexpected show of appreciation, Trump went on to praise Pakistan’s military leadership, referring to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir as his “favourite Field Marshal.” He stressed that “strong leadership is essential to maintain regional stability,” acknowledging Pakistan’s growing role in fostering balance in South Asia.
Earlier in the day, while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump had credited his previous administration for “preventing war between Pakistan and India through tariffs.” He claimed that his team’s strategic use of economic measures and diplomatic engagement had helped defuse tensions between the two rivals in the past.
Trump’s remarks in Cairo were seen by many as an effort to extend his message of global reconciliation beyond the Middle East, reinforcing his image as a dealmaker seeking to promote peace in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
