The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, has embarked on his inaugural official visit to the United States, marking a significant diplomatic engagement since assuming office in November of the preceding year, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement on Sunday.
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According to the military’s media wing, General Munir is slated to hold meetings with high-ranking military officials and other dignitaries during his visit to the US. This visit follows closely on the heels of a two-day stay in Pakistan by the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West.
1/2 Departing Islamabad after productive two-day visit. Important conversations with @JalilJilani, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, @AsifDurrani20, and MOI Secretary Durrani about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees.
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) December 8, 2023
During his stay in Islamabad, Thomas West affirmed Washington’s commitment to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, particularly addressing the challenges posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The American envoy concluded his visit by discussing key regional security issues and matters related to safeguarding Afghan refugees.
West took to his official social media account on X (formerly Twitter) to share insights into his meetings with various Pakistani officials, including Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, COAS Gen Munir, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Asif Durrani, and Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani.
Expressing gratitude for Islamabad’s cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, West reiterated the commitment of the United States to stand with Pakistan against terrorism in the region. He also touched upon ongoing initiatives for the repatriation of illegal foreigners.
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In addressing the complex issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, a significant portion of whom are considered “illegal foreigners,” the US envoy engaged in discussions with the leadership of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Islamabad. The focus of these discussions included supporting the most vulnerable and at-risk Afghan individuals.