COAS MULTIDIMENSIONAL US VISIT
Aiman Khattak
Pakistan and the United States have a long and complex history of bilateral relations, marked by periods of cooperation and estrangement. In an effort to improve and stabilize the ties between the two countries, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited the US in mid-December for a series of high-level meetings and engagements. The visit aimed to achieve three main goals: to foster economic development, to reach out to the Pakistani diaspora, and to tackle security challenges. These goals reflect the shared interests and values of the two nations, as well as the need to address the common threats and challenges in the region.
One of the key aspects of the Pak-US relationship is the military-to-military cooperation, which has been a vital channel of communication and coordination between the two allies, especially on matters of regional security and stability. COAS Asim Munir’s visit was one of the many such visits that have occurred in the past, involving military leaders from both sides. For instance, in October 2022, Pakistan’s Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the US for a series of high-level meetings and engagements. Similarly, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael E. Kurilla, visited Pakistan in 2022 to hold meetings with Pakistani military leadership. These visits demonstrate the mutual trust and respect between the two militaries, as well as the willingness to work together for peace and stability in the region.
The visit of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to the US is considered as a chance to restore the trust and to reaffirm the common interests and values that support the Pak-US partnership. Both Pakistan and US recognized the difficulties and possibilities that await them and expressed their readiness to cooperate to overcome them. The visit also intended to balance the relations between Pakistan and the US, which have been distorted by the US’s strategic preference for India. By stressing the significance of a positive and comprehensive approach to regional issues, the visit aimed to ease the conflicts and confusions that have troubled the relationship.
Moreover, the visit of the COAS to the US resulted in the improvement of economic collaboration between Pakistan and the US. The visit created new opportunities for investment, trade, and development in different sectors of Pakistan’s economy, such as infrastructure, energy, and agriculture under the SIFC initiatives. The US promised to assist Pakistan’s endeavors to attain economic progress and well-being, and to enable its entry to the US market.
Furthermore, the visit also brought attention to the positive engagement of the COAS Asim Munir with the international Pakistani diaspora, which exceeds 1 million in the United States alone, serving as a bridge between the two nations. The objective of the engagement with international community was to enhance the bonds and foster a sense of belonging among overseas Pakistanis, while also encouraging their active involvement and contribution to the development and potential of Pakistan.
Another major focus of the visit was the security situation in the region, especially in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. COAS Asim Munir briefed the US officials on the threats and challenges that Pakistan faces from its western border, and the efforts that Pakistan has made to combat terrorism and extremism. He also urged the US to play a positive and constructive role in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
The US officials appreciated Pakistan’s role and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and assured their continued assistance and cooperation. In a joint statement issued after the meeting between COAS Asim Munir and General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, the two sides “reaffirmed their mutual commitment to a long-term, robust defense relationship that strengthens security and stability in the region and advances shared interests”. Similarly, Secretary of State Antony J.Blinken said that the US and Pakistan have “reaffirmed their mutual commitment to a long term, robust defense relationship that strengthens security and stability in the region and advances shared interests”, while Secretary of Defence General Llyod J. Austin said that the US appreciated Pakistan’s “continued efforts” for bringing peace and stability to the region and recognised the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with international law and relevant UNSC resolutions. To sum up, the visit of COAS Asim Munir to the United States marked a significant milestone aimed to foster and improve the historically complex and unstable bilateral ties between the two nations. It reflected the commitment and the aspiration of both parties to forge a more robust and lasting partnership, founded on mutual respect and mutual benefit. The visit also revealed the opportunities of collaboration in various domains, such as economic growth, diaspora involvement, and security. The visit laid the foundation for a more prosperous and secure future for both countries.