COAS meets top US military commanders during Pentagon visit

Pentagon meeting elaborates on matters related to security and bilateral military cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Pentagon and met Chairman Joint Chief of Staff (CJCS) General Joseph F Dunford during the three-day visit by Pakistani leadership to the United States, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations ISPR).

The COAS also met with Acting Secretary of Defence Richard Spencer and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Mark A Milley.

General Milley is President Donald Trump’s pick to replace General Dunford as the US military chief.

On the occasion, the army chief was presented a guard of honour with a 21 gun salute.

During the high-level moot, the army chief and the acting defence secretary discussed the regional security situation including the Afghan end game.

Both, the secretary and the CJCS, acknowledged Pakistan Army's contributions in the war against terrorism.

The huddle also elaborated on matters related to security and bilateral military cooperation.

During the visit, General Bajwa visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute to the national heroes of the US. The national anthem of both countries was played as a special ceremony was held at the cemetery.

The army chief's meetings hold greater significance in the backdrop of General Milley’s recent assertion that the US needs to maintain strong military ties with Islamabad due to the shared interests of the two countries.

General Bajwa is visiting Washington DC alongside Prime Minister Imran Khan on his maiden visit to the US on the invitation of President Trump.

The premier is accompanied by the Adviser to PM on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood and Special Assistant on Overseas Zulfi Bukhari. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was already present in Washington as part of the entourage prior to the premier's arrival on July 21.