Pakistan Army Chief and US Defense Secretary meet, discuss bilateral cooperation

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir began his visit to Washington on Wednesday with a meeting with the US Defense Secretary at the Pentagon to discuss regional security developments as well as prospects for bilateral defense cooperation.

According to Arab News, General Asim Munir left Islamabad on Sunday for his first official visit to America after becoming the Army Chief in November 2022. He arrived in the US capital on Tuesday afternoon after spending two days in the UK.

The United States has worked closely with Pakistan's military chiefs for decades on issues ranging from regional stability to fighting militancy and the war in Afghanistan. Pakistan's ongoing deportation drive against illegal immigrants is sure to be a focus of discussion during the army chief's visit as well.

Pakistan has publicly said that its move to expel millions of Afghans living illegally is part of the Taliban-led administration in Kabul's desire to crack down on militants using Afghanistan to launch attacks in Pakistan. was the answer.

The campaign has forced thousands of Afghans to flee the country, and authorities are arresting many more in raids across the country. The United States has shared with the administration a list of more than 25,000 Afghan nationals it wants to exempt from deportation while awaiting visas to travel to the United States.

"Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin today hosted Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir at the Pentagon, where the two officials discussed recent regional security developments and potential areas of bilateral defense cooperation," the Pentagon said in a brief statement. Discussed.'

General Asim Munir is also expected to meet US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken and National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan. He may also meet senior members of the US House and Senate.