ISLAMABAD(National times)- Pakistan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US Strategic Metals (USSM), an American metals company, to enhance cooperation in the minerals sector. The agreement was signed between USSM and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) at the Prime Minister House, with Embassy Islamabad’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Zach Harkenrider accompanying the visiting delegation, stated a press release issued by the US Embassy. The USSM, based in the state of Missouri, is focused on producing and recycling critical minerals, which the United States Department of Energy has defined as essential in a variety of technologies related to advanced manufacturing and energy production. Speaking on the occasion, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker described the signing as a step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and noted that such cooperation would bring benefits to both countries. She added that the Trump administration has prioritised forging agreements on critical minerals due to their significance for economic and energy security. “We look forward to seeing future agreements between US companies and their counterparts in the critical minerals and mining sector in Pakistan,” the US envoy added.In recent months, Washington’s ties with Islamabad have improved following US President Donald Trump’s intervention in armed conflict between Pakistan and India, which resulted in a ceasefire. Pakistan also clinched a “landmark deal” with the US, negotiating a reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 29% to 19%.In April 2025, a senior US official emphasised the potential of Pakistan’s vast mineral resources and said it can bring significant economic benefits for both Islamabad and Washington. Eric Meyer, a senior bureau official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US State Department, led a delegation to Islamabad to advance US interests in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector, enhance economic cooperation, and reaffirm the importance of counterterrorism collaboration.