US Defense Secretary and COAS talk about Regional Security

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Staff Reporter

3 years ago

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to discuss issues of mutual interest.

General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is visiting the US on official business.

This is General Syed Asim Munir’s first visit to the United States as COAS, according to the army’s media wing.

Lloyd Austin greeted General Asim Munir when he arrived at the US Ministry of Defense. According to people with knowledge of the meeting’s specifics, topics including bilateral defense cooperation and regional peace were discussed.

Additionally, the topic of terror attacks from Afghan soil into Pakistan was also covered.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, was hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Wednesday at the Pentagon. The two officials talked about recent developments in regional security and possible areas for bilateral defense cooperation, according to a statement released by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj-General Pat Ryder.

At a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, Asim Munir’s visit was also discussed. A journalist asked what the US defense chief was hoping to get out of his first face-to-face meeting with Pakistan’s new army chief, reminding Patrick Ryder of the visit.

The journalist questioned, “Will they be talking about deporting Afghans from Pakistan or possibly buying munitions to go to Ukraine?”

“I don’t have any meetings to read out from the podium,” General Ryder retorted. Of course, as you are aware, we always give a readout to the secretary’s international counterparts and leaders. In that case, we will without a doubt release a readout.

“How would you assess US-Pakistan military relations at this point?” inquired another journalist.

“Pakistan continues to be an important partner in the region,” General Ryder declared. Thus, it is evident that we maintain regular communication with them through Centcom, especially regarding matters such as counterterrorism.

Additionally, Asim Munir is anticipated to meet with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Staff Reporter