Trump and the Pakistani Prime Minister behind closed doors: White House the key to peace in the Middle East?

The meeting between Sharif and Trump was closed to the media. Sharif is one of the top officials from eight Arab and Muslim countries who met with Trump this week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss a strategy to end the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported.

Relations between the US and Pakistan have improved while Trump's relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been strained over India's increased purchases of Russian oil, the agency said. In July, the US and Pakistan reached a trade deal that allows Washington to support the development of Pakistan's oil reserves and reduce tariffs for Islamabad.

Sharif publicly endorsed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India. A US-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan was reached in May after weeks of clashes. Trump announced the continuation of negotiations to resolve trade barriers between the US and India, although previous tariffs on Indian oil remain in place.