General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), COAS called on key US Government and Military officials during his ongoing visit to US
Irfan Ali
General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), COAS called on key US
Government and Military officials during his ongoing visit to US including,
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, General Llyod J. Austin (Retired),
Secretary of Defence, Victoria Nuland, Deputy Secretary of State, Jonathan
Finer, Deputy National Security Adviser and General Charles Q Brown, Chairman
of Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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.
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.
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, COAS especially highlighted the
importance of resolving the Kashmir Issue in accordance with international law
and relevant UNSC resolutions.
COAS also interacted with the Pakistani overseas community.
In a reception hosted by Embassy of Pakistan, COAS met members of the Pakistani
community.
COAS appreciated the positive role being played by Pakistani
overseas community towards the country’s progress and development.
During interaction, topics of varying dimensions were
discussed and COAS appreciated efforts of Pakistani Diaspora. He also welcomed
& encouraged the diaspora to invest through SIFC which is already yielding
success in various dimensions.
COAS also highlighted that US is the largest export market
for Pakistan constituting 21.5 % of our total exports and dispelled rumours
about special screening, denial of visas and detentions.
Army Chief said “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.
Members of the Pakistani community expressed their pride in role and contributions of Pakistan Army towards well being of Pakistan.
COAS extended good wishes to the complete Pakistani community
in their efforts. He also met Mr Tanweer Ahmed who graciously had donated $ 9
million for NUST in the field of IT development in Pakistan. COAS appreciated
him and said Pakistan is proud of heroes like him.
