Army Chief calls on key US govt, military officials

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has called on key US government and military officials – including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence General (retd) Lloyd J Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown – during his ongoing visit to the United States.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release, 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 official news agency reported.

During the meetings with defence officials, counter terrorism cooperation and defence 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 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, the Army Chief especially highlighted the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with international law and relevant UNSC resolutions.

The Army Chief also interacted with the Pakistani overseas community. In a reception hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan, the COAS met members of the Pakistani community.

The COAS appreciated the positive role being played by Pakistani overseas community towards the country’s progress and development.

During the interaction, topics of varying dimensions were discussed and the Army Chief appreciated the efforts of Pakistani diaspora.

He also welcomed and encouraged the diaspora to invest through SIFC which is already yielding success in various dimensions.

The COAS also highlighted that the US is the largest export market for Pakistan constituting 21.5 percent of our total exports and dispelled rumours about special screening, denial of visas and detentions.

“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,” General Asim Munir said.

Members of the Pakistani community expressed their pride in the role and contributions of the Pakistan Army towards the well-being of Pakistan.

The Army Chief extended good wishes to the Pakistani community in their efforts. He also met Tanweer Ahmed, who graciously donated $9 million for NUST in the field of IT development in Pakistan. General Asim Munir appreciated him and said, “Pakistan is proud of heroes like you.”