During his ongoing visit to the United States, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir called on General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of the US Central Command, during the former’s visit to Headquarters Central Command at Tampa Bay, Florida.
During the meeting, matters of shared interest, particularly cooperation in regional security matters, came under discussion, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Both sides discussed avenues of joint training, and reiterated the need for enhancing training interactions between CENTCOM and the Pakistan Army. The army chief also visited the CENTCOM Joint Operations Center.
Previously, General Munir also called on António Guterres, the UN secretary general, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Guterres warmly welcomed the visit by the COAS and appreciated the contributions made by the Pakistan Army and contingents of law enforcement agencies that have remained committed to the peace and stability of the world.
The COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s continuous support to the United Nations in all its earnest efforts. During his interaction, the army chief particularly highlighted the ongoing Kashmir and Gaza issues. He said that peace in South Asia would remain elusive until a peaceful solution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute was found in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Gen Munir also condemned the unilateral and illegal Indian efforts to change the status of Jammu and Kashmir as it was in violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine issue and urged the UN secretary general to mobilize the international community for immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza to prevent the unfolding human tragedy, and highlighted that an enduring solution to the issue lies in the two-state solution.
The army chief particularly shared deep concerns over the plight of innocent civilians, who are being brutally targeted and not being provided with sufficient humanitarian relief.
Guterres acknowledged the concerns and thanked General Asim Munir for his visit to the UN Headquarters.
The army chief’s first official visit to the US since assuming office is going on successfully, as he continues to hold meetings with top American civil and military officials.
So far, the chief of army staff has met with the US secretary of state, defense secretary, deputy secretary of state, deputy national security advisor, chairman of the joint chief of staff and secretary general of the United Nations during his visit.
The successful visit of the army chief will increase cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
With the visit of Gen Munir, Pakistan’s point of view on important issues is also being effectively highlighted.