COAS meets US govt, military leaders

RAWALPINDI/WASHINGTON: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has discussed matters of bilateral interest, global and regional security issues, and ongoing conflicts in his meetings with the US government and military officials here.

Both sides agreed to continue engagement for exploring potential avenues of bilateral collaboration in pursuit of shared interests.

Gen Asim called on key US 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 Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

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

General Asim Munir also interacted with the Pakistani overseas community. In a reception hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan, he met members of the Pakistani community and appreciated their positive role in the country’s progress and development.

Topics of varying dimensions were discussed and the COAS appreciated the efforts of Pakistani diaspora.

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

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

“The 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,” he said.

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

The COAS extended good wishes for the Pakistani community in their efforts. He also met Tanweer Ahmed, a leading businessman in the United States who had graciously donated $9 million for NUST in the field of IT development in Pakistan. The COAS appreciated him and said Pakistan was proud of heroes like him.