COAS Engages with Key U.S. Government and Military Officials
During his first visit to the United States of America as Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) called on key U.S. government and military officials, including Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, General Llyod J. Austin (Retired), Secretary of Defense, Victoria Nuland, Deputy Secretary of State, Jonathan Finer, Deputy National Security Adviser and General Charles Q. Brown, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Matters of bilateral interests, global and regional security issues, and ongoing conflicts were discussed during the meetings. Both sides agreed to continue engagement to explore potential avenues of bilateral collaboration in pursuit of shared interests.
During the meetings with defense officials, counterterrorism cooperation and defense collaboration were identified as core areas of cooperation. Both sides reiterated the intent to increase interaction and explore ways to expand the scope of mutually beneficial engagements.
COAS underscored the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives on regional security issues and developments affecting strategic stability in South Asia. In this context, he especially highlighted the importance of resolving the ‘Kashmir issue’ in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
He also interacted with the Pakistani overseas community. During a reception hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan, COAS met with members of the Pakistani community. He appreciated the positive role being played by the Pakistani overseas community towards the country's progress and development.
During the interaction, a range of topics were discussed, and COAS appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani diaspora. He also welcomed and encouraged the diaspora to invest through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which is already yielding success in various dimensions. COAS also highlighted that the U.S. is the largest export market for Pakistan, constituting 21.5 percent of our total exports, and dispelled rumors about special screening, denial of visas, and detentions.
He said, "Pakistani diaspora anywhere around the world is held in high regard as they are ambassadors of Pakistan and contribute significantly to Pakistan in varying domains.”
Members of the Pakistani community expressed their pride in the role and contributions of the Pakistan Army towards the well-being of Pakistan. COAS extended good wishes to the entire Pakistani community for their efforts. He also met Mr. Tanweer Ahmed, who graciously donated USD 9 million to the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in the field of information technology (IT) development in Pakistan. COAS appreciated him and said Pakistan is proud of heroes like him.
COAS Calls on Commander of United States Central Command
COAS, General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) called on Commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael Erik Kurilla, during a visit to Headquarters Central Command at Tampa Bay, Florida. During the meeting, matters of shared interests, particularly cooperation in regional security matters, came under discussion. Both sides discussed avenues of joint training and reiterated the need to enhance training interactions between CENTCOM and the Pakistan Army. COAS also visited the CENTCOM Joint Operations Center during the visit.
COAS Engages in a Candid Discourse with Members of Prominent U.S. Think Tanks and Media
COAS, General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), engaged in candid discourse with members of prominent U.S. think tanks and media. During the interaction, he conveyed Pakistan’s perspective on regional security, transnational terrorism, and the importance of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.
The COAS stated that Pakistan is a country of consequence both geopolitically and geo-economically. It aspires to position itself as a hub of connectivity and a gateway to Central Asia and beyond. However, it refrains from engaging in bloc politics and emphasizes maintaining balanced relationships with all friendly countries.
The COAS emphasized Pakistan's desire to expand bilateral engagement with the U.S. through long-term multi-domain partnerships. He underscored the positivity and forward-looking nature of his interactions with political and military leadership during the U.S. visit, aiming to enhance the relationship further.
Additionally, the COAS highlighted Pakistan's longstanding role as a bulwark against transnational terrorism, ensuring regional stability, global peace, and security. He acknowledged the nation's unparalleled contributions and sacrifices in the enduring fight against terrorism, committing to continue this effort until a logical resolution, aligned with the aspirations of the Pakistani people.
The COAS additionally emphasized the imperative resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. He stated, "Kashmir is an internationally accepted dispute, and no unilateral action can alter the nature of this dispute against the wishes of millions of people of the area." He also emphatically underscored the immediate need to end the sufferings in Gaza, provide humanitarian assistance, and implement a two-state solution for enduring peace in the region.
On arrival, COAS was received by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S.
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