ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, has discussed a range of mutual interest affairs, including regional security and ongoing conflicts, in his meetings with State Secretary Antony J. Blinken and other top officials of the United States, the Pakistani military said on Friday.
General Munir arrived in Washington on Tuesday on his first official visit to the US since he became Pakistan’s army chief in November 2022.
Pakistani military commanders have often visited the US during their tenures as Islamabad and Washington have for decades remained allies over issues ranging from regional stability to fighting militancy, particularly the war in Afghanistan.
During his ongoing visit, Gen Munir has held meetings with Blinken, Defense Secretary Llyod J. Austin, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and General Charles Q Brown, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
“Matters of bilateral interests, global and regional security issues, and ongoing conflicts were discussed during the meetings. Both sides agreed to continue engagement for exploring potential avenues of bilateral collaboration in pursuit of shared interests,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“During the meetings with defense officials, counter terrorism 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.”
The meetings came amid Israel’s ongoing strikes on Gaza to crush Hamas after the Oct. 7 surprise attacks by the group, and after Indian top court’s validation of New Delhi’s revocation of Indian-administered Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019.
“COAS underscored the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives on regional security issues and developments affecting strategic stability in South Asia,” the ISPR said.
“In this context, COAS especially highlighted the importance of resolving the Kashmir Issue in accordance with international law and relevant UNSC (United Nations Security Council) resolutions.”
The army chief also interacted with the Pakistani community in the US at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan.
“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,” Gen Munir was quoted as saying.
He appreciated the positive role being played by overseas Pakistanis and encouraged them to invest through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which was already yielding success in various dimensions.
