Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, visited the Headquarters of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa Bay, Florida, and met with CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla, according to a statement released Tuesday by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly cooperation in regional security. The ISPR noted discussions on avenues of joint training, with both sides emphasizing the need to enhance training interactions between CENTCOM and the Pakistan Army.
Munir also toured the CENTCOM Joint Operations Center during his visit.
This trip marks Munir’s first official visit to the United States since assuming his role in November last year.
Previously, Munir engaged in discussions with top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense General (retired) Lloyd J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown.
According to the ISPR, these meetings resulted in an agreement to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and defense collaboration between Pakistan and the U.S.
Responding to inquiries about General Munir’s visit, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Monday that the army chief met with several senior officials at the State Department and Pentagon. Miller highlighted Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally and a NATO partner of the United States, expressing anticipation for continued collaboration on regional security and defense.
