ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the US have identified counter-terrorism operations and defence collaboration as key areas of cooperation during the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir’s maiden visit to the US, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) informed yesterday.

“Both the countries reiterated the intent to increase interaction and explore ways to expand the scope of mutually beneficial engagements,” the military’s media wing reported.

The visit comes at a time of increased terrorist attacks that have claimed the lives of close to 30 security personnel in separate incidents. During his visit, the COAS called on key US government and military officials during his ongoing visit.

These include US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, Secretary of Defence General (retd) Llyod J Austin, Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown.

As per the ISPR, matters of bilateral interests, global and regional security issues, and ongoing conflicts were discussed. Both sides agreed to continue engagement for exploring potential avenues of bilateral collaboration in pursuit of shared interests, the ISPR maintained.

“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 international law and relevant UNSC resolutions,” the statement further said.

The COAS also interacted with the overseas Pakistani community, at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir addresses the Pakistani community at a reception hosted by the Pakistani Embassy in the US. PHOTO: ISPR.

 General Munir “appreciated the positive role being played by Pakistani overseas community towards the country’s progress and development”, the ISPR stated. Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistani diaspora, the army chief encouraged them to invest in the country through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), “already yielding success in various dimensions,” the ISPR stated.

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

The 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.” The ISPR maintained that the Pakistani community “expressed their pride in role and contributions of Pakistan Army towards well-being of Pakistan”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 16 2023

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