ISLAMABAD-UNS : Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is currently on an official visit to the United States, where he has held high-level meetings with senior American political and military leadership, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Sunday. The visit signals a renewed effort by Islamabad to strengthen defense and security cooperation with Washington.
This development comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and the US under President Donald Trump. After years of strained ties—mainly due to disagreements over counterterrorism strategies—both countries now appear keen to reset and enhance their military and economic partnership.
“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is undertaking an official visit to the United States,” ISPR said in a statement. “During the visit, he has engaged in high-level interactions with senior political and military leadership, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.”
During his stay in Tampa, Munir attended the retirement ceremony of outgoing United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla and the subsequent change-of-command ceremony, where Admiral Brad Cooper assumed command. Munir praised General Kurilla’s leadership and his role in enhancing bilateral military ties and expressed confidence in continued collaboration with Admiral Cooper to address shared regional and global security challenges.
The army chief also met with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, to discuss matters of mutual strategic and professional interest.
According to ISPR, Munir also interacted with defense chiefs from other allied nations, although their identities were not disclosed.
Another key aspect of the visit included an engagement with the Pakistani diaspora in the US. During the interaction, Munir urged expatriates to remain optimistic about Pakistan’s future and to play an active role in attracting foreign investment to the country. In response, community members reaffirmed their support for Pakistan’s development and progress.
This is Munir’s second visit to the US since June, when he was hosted by President Trump for a rare lunch at the White House—an event that underscored warming ties. Their discussions reportedly focused on regional tensions in the Middle East, including the then-escalating Iran-Israel conflict.
As part of Washington’s renewed diplomatic outreach, the Trump administration has restored elements of military cooperation with Pakistan that were previously suspended due to concerns related to Afghanistan. For its part, Islamabad is seeking to recalibrate its foreign policy—maintaining a strong defense partnership with China while expanding engagement with the United States.
In a recent sign of improving economic ties, the two countries finalized a trade agreement last week under which the US will impose a reduced 19 percent tariff on Pakistani imports. This comes after a previously proposed 29 percent tariff triggered concern in Islamabad earlier this year.
In a separate announcement, President Trump also expressed interest in partnering with Pakistan to develop its domestic oil reserves, further indicating deepening bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan’s military, a dominant force in the country’s political landscape, continues to play a central role in shaping its foreign and security policy. Munir’s visit and high-profile meetings underscore the army’s active involvement in redefining Pakistan’s strategic posture amid shifting global alliances.
