RAWALPINDI, JUN 19 (DNA): In a rare high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump, Field Marshal Asim Munir lauded the former for his “constructive and result-oriented role” in facilitating a ceasefire with India following last month’s armed conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The development came as the two leaders met over lunch at the White House Cabinet Room on Wednesday with the US president being accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff whereas Field Marshal Munir was joined by Islamabad’s national security adviser.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Munir, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Thursday, acknowledged President Trump’s statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community.
Meanwhile, the US president lauded Field Marshal Munir’s leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics further praised Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states.
During the high-level huddle, which extended to over two hours instead of the initial one-hour schedule, the two sides also discussed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.
“President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests,” the ISPR added.
“The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement stated.
Furthermore, the issue of ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel also came under discussion with both the army chief and the US president “emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict”.
Field Marshal Munir’s visit holds significance in the context of the Trump administration’s role in brokering the ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi following last month’s armed clashes that broke out following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without offering any evidence.
The 87-hour-long conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours — which included cross-border strikes by both countries — left 40 civilians and 13 armed forces personnel martyred in Pakistan.
Pakistan then launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos after downing six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales in response to Indian unprovoked aggression.
After days of cross-border strikes, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.
Besides brokering the ceasefire, Trump has also offered to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India.
: In a rare high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump, Field Marshal Asim Munir lauded the former for his "){kind=link}