WASHINGTON, D.C./NEW YORK (The Thursday Times) — General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, embarked on a significant official visit to the United States in December 2023. This visit marked his first to the U.S. as COAS. Accompanying him was the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt. General Nadeem Anjum.
During his visit, General Munir engaged in a series of important meetings with top U.S. government and military officials. His interactions included meetings with Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State; General Lloyd Austin (Retired), the Secretary of Defense; General Charles Q. Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Victoria Nuland, the Deputy Secretary of State; and Jonathan Finer, the Deputy National Security Adviser.
The discussions during these meetings centered on various critical issues, encompassing bilateral interests, global and regional security concerns, and ongoing international conflicts. Both sides expressed a commitment to continue their engagement and explore potential avenues for bilateral collaboration in areas of shared interest. Notably, the meetings highlighted counterterrorism cooperation and defense collaboration as key areas of mutual cooperation.
General Munir emphasised the importance of mutual understanding of each other’s perspectives on regional security issues, particularly those affecting strategic stability in South Asia. He underscored the significance of resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
In addition to his meetings with U.S. officials, General Munir interacted with the Pakistani diaspora in the United States. During a reception hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan, he met with members of the community, appreciating their positive contributions to Pakistan’s progress and development. He encouraged them to invest through SIFC, highlighting its success in various dimensions.
General Munir also addressed concerns regarding visa issues, emphasising that the U.S. is Pakistan’s largest export market and dispelling rumors about special screening, visa denials, and detentions.
On another significant note, during his visit, General Munir met with Mr. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The UN Secretary-General warmly welcomed him and acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistan Army and its law enforcement agencies in maintaining global peace and stability. General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the United Nations and discussed issues like Kashmir and Gaza, advocating for peaceful resolutions in line with UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. He also highlighted the situation in Palestine, stressing the need for a two-state solution.
