WASHINGTON – Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir called on US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin at Pentagon after he reached the US on his first official visit.
During the meeting, both discussed regional security as well as prospects for bilateral defense cooperation.
Pakistan Army Chief departed from Islamabad on Sunday for the US and reached the US capital on Tuesday afternoon after spending two days in Britain.
“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir at the Pentagon today, where the two officials discussed recent regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defense cooperation,” the Pentagon said in a brief statement on the meeting.
COAS is also expected to hold a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
Reports said Pakistan’s ongoing drive to deport the illegal migrants, mostly Afghan nationals, would be a centre of discussions.
The South Asian country has expelled thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan without legal documents.
The Army Chief’s landing in the US coincided with a terrorist attack in northwest Pakistan, where 23 soldiers were martyred.
