ISLAMABAD: During his current visit to the United States, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has interacted with high-ranking American military and political leaders, the military’s media branch announced on Sunday, as Islamabad aims to strengthen its defense and security relations with Washington.
The progress occurs as Pakistan seeks enhanced cooperation with the US under President Donald Trump. Following years of tense relations, primarily due to counter-terrorism disputes, both countries seem eager to restore military and economic connections with the new American administration.
“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to the United States,” stated the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media branch.
“Throughout the visit, he participated in high-profile discussions with top political and military officials, along with representatives from the Pakistani diaspora.”
In Tampa, the chief of the Pakistan army participated in the retirement ceremony for the outgoing United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla, as well as the change of command ceremony that welcomed Admiral Brad Cooper as his successor, according to the military’s media wing.
Munir praised General Kurilla’s leadership and his efforts in enhancing military collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.
He conveyed his warmest regards to Admiral Cooper, emphasizing optimism for ongoing partnership to tackle mutual security issues, the ISPR stated.
The chief of the Pakistani army met with US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, discussing matters of shared professional interest, according to the military’s media wing.
“On the sidelines, the COAS engaged with Defense Chiefs from allied nations,” the statement continued, omitting the countries’ names
Munir’s activities featured a meeting with the Pakistani community in the US, where the army chief encouraged them to “keep faith in Pakistan’s promising future and to play a proactive role in bringing in investments.”
“The diaspora reiterated their dedication to promoting Pakistan’s advancement and growth,” the ISPR stated.
Munir’s trip to the US indicates an increasing bond between Pakistan and the US. This marks the second visit by the Pakistan army chief to the country since June, when he was hosted by Trump for an extraordinary lunch at the White House.
Both leaders addressed the strains in the Middle East, especially the ongoing Iran-Israel military clash.
With Trump’s renewed engagement, Washington has commended Pakistan’s leadership and restored military collaboration that had been limited due to Afghanistan-related issues. Islamabad, in response, aims to maintain its enduring relationship with China, encompassing weapon provisions and defense infrastructure, while also increasing its interaction with the US.
Last week, both nations concluded a trade agreement whereby the US will impose a 19 percent tariff on imports from Pakistan, in contrast to the 29 percent reciprocal tariff declared in April that had caused concern in Islamabad.
Independently, Trump emphasized a collaboration with Pakistan to enhance the nation’s oil reserves.
Pakistan’s influential military, which has directly governed the nation for almost half of its history and exerts influence over political affairs even when not in control, is pivotal in determining its foreign and security strategies.