Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir Meets US Defence Secretary to Discuss Regional Security and Bilateral Cooperation
WASHINGTON – Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir met with US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin at the Pentagon during his first official visit to the United States. The discussion between the two officials revolved around regional security and the potential for bilateral defense cooperation.
General Asim Munir arrived in the US after a brief stopover in Britain, as part of his visit to strengthen ties between the two countries. The Pentagon issued a statement confirming the meeting, stating, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir at the Pentagon today, where the two officials discussed recent regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defense cooperation.
The visit is significant as it comes at a time when Pakistan is intensifying its efforts to deport illegal migrants, primarily Afghan nationals residing in the country without legal documents. The issue is expected to be a central point of discussion during the visit.
In addition to meeting with the US Defence Secretary, General Asim Munir is scheduled to hold talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. The discussions are aimed at further enhancing cooperation between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest.
The Army Chief’s visit coincided with a tragic terrorist attack in northwest Pakistan, where 23 soldiers were martyred. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan in the region.
The meeting between General Asim Munir and Lloyd J. Austin highlights the importance of maintaining close military ties between Pakistan and the United States. Both countries have a shared interest in promoting regional stability and combating terrorism.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for strengthened cooperation in the field of defense, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan has been actively involved in facilitating the Afghan peace process and remains committed to supporting stability in the region.
As the meeting concluded, General Asim Munir expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the United States to address common challenges and promote shared objectives.
The outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in determining the future trajectory of the Pakistan-US bilateral relationship, particularly in the realm of defense and security cooperation.
Both countries understand the significance of a stable and secure South Asia and will continue to explore avenues for collaboration to achieve this common goal.
In summary, the meeting between Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin served as an opportunity to discuss regional security challenges and potential areas for bilateral defense cooperation. The visit reaffirms the importance of the Pakistan-US relationship in promoting stability in the region. The talks are expected to further strengthen ties between the two countries and enhance collaboration in various fields of mutual interest.
