Field Marshal Asim Munir meets US defence officials
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir with outgoing US CENTCOM Commander General Michael E. Kurilla at his retirement ceremony in Tampa. Photo: ISPR
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is on an official visit to the United States, where he has held high-level meetings with senior political and military leaders and engaged with members of the Pakistani diaspora.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is undertaking an official visit to the United States. During the visit, he has engaged in high-level interactions with senior political and military leadership, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.
In… pic.twitter.com/kXW4vhMMTrAccording to a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS attended the retirement ceremony of outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael E Kurilla and the change of command ceremony for Admiral Brad Cooper in Tampa.
He praised Gen Kurilla’s leadership and contributions to bilateral military cooperation and extended best wishes to Admiral Cooper, expressing confidence in continued collaboration on shared security challenges.
The testimony of Gen Kurilla was seen as a major diplomatic win for Pakistan at a time when India is trying to build a narrative that Islamabad is sponsoring terrorism.
Read: Top US general praises 'phenomenal partner' Pakistan
The testimony stands in sharp contrast to persistent efforts, particularly from Indian lobbying groups, to paint Pakistan as an unreliable partner in the fight against terrorism.
Gen Kurilla's candid remarks not only validate Pakistan's ongoing sacrifices but may also recalibrate the tone of future US policy in South Asia.
The COAS also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine to discuss matters of mutual professional interest, inviting him to visit Pakistan. On the sidelines, he interacted with defence chiefs from friendly nations.
During a session with the Pakistani diaspora, COAS urged confidence in Pakistan’s future and encouraged contributions towards attracting investment.
The diaspora reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development.
Read more: Trump calls meeting COAS Munir an honour at White House luncheon
Earlier in June, Field Marshal Munir met US President Donald Trump for a luncheon held at the White House.
“It is an honour for me to meet Asim Munir,” Trump said. “I invited him to thank him for not going to war. He deserves appreciation for helping secure the ceasefire.”
The luncheon followed the tensions between Pakistan and India, two nuclear-armed neighbours who have seen a sharp rise in hostilities this year.