NEW YORK – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir is expected to travel to the US in coming days for a key meeting with President Donald Trump, international media claimed on Wednesday.
If happens, it would be third meeting between the Pakistan Army Chief and Trump in six month. Reuters reported that the meeting would focus on Gaza peace plan.
There is no official statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, in this regard.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in massive bombardment in Gaza since October 2023. The military operation has sparked severe starvations across the enclave.
In June this year, Field Marshal Asim Munir held a meeting with Trump at the White House, becoming the first serving army chief to have face-to-face meeting with the US president.
During the meeting, both sides discussed joint counterterrorism efforts and expanding bilateral trade.
“Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue,” the ISPR had said in a press release.
During the meeting, Trump “lauded Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counterterrorism cooperation between the two states”.
ISPR noted that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counterterrorism.
“Discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies,” the ISPR had stated.
“President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests,” it highlighted.
The US president had also commended Field Marshal Munir’s “leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics”.
Field Marshal Asim Munir had extended an invitation to Trump, on behalf of the government, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.
On his part, COAS Munir conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and people of Pakistan for Trump’s “constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis”.
He “acknowledged President Trump’s statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community”, the ISPR press release said.
“A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict,” it added.
