ISLAMABAD – The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III dialed Pakistan’s newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, the Department of Defence said.
A press release issued in this regard said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III held a telephonic conversation with new Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
General Asim Munir and Lloyd Austin discussed areas of mutual interest as well as recent regional developments. Austin, a close aide of US President Joe Biden, also felicitate General Asim for assuming charge as the country’s top general.
US Secretary of Defense reiterated that Washington and Islamabad have a long-standing defense partnership he is looking forward to working with General Asim Munir.
Today I had the opportunity to congratulate General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s newly appointed Chief of Army Staff. The United States and Pakistan have a long-standing defense partnership and I look forward to working with General Munir. https://t.co/d60Nj6YEur
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 13, 2023
The recent development is the second high-level interaction between the Pakistan and US defense authorities under new leadership. Last month, US Central Command chief General Michael Erik Kurilla visited Pakistan and called on Army Chief Asim.
US Central Command chief discusses security cooperation with COAS Asim Munir
He also interacted with top senior military leaders, observed conditions and operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and exchanged views on strengthening defense ties between two sides.
