Pakistani army chief on 2nd US visit in less than 2 months

KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir is undertaking a US visit, the second in less than two months, in a rare diplomatic development and elevation of bilateral relations.

Munir met with the US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, to discuss "matters of mutual professional interest," said a statement by the Pakistani army's media wing on Sunday.

The statement did not mention the date of Munir's arrival.

During the meeting, Munir extended an invitation to Caine to visit Pakistan.

In Tampa, Florida, Munir attended the retirement ceremony of the outgoing commander of the US Central Command, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, and the change of command ceremony for incoming commander Adm. Brad Cooper.

He lauded Kurilla’s "exemplary leadership and his invaluable contributions to strengthening bilateral military cooperation," and extended his best wishes to Cooper, expressing confidence in continued collaboration to address shared security challenges.

On the sidelines, Munir also interacted with the chiefs of defense from "friendly nations."

During the visit, he engaged in high-level interactions with senior political and military leadership, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.

Washington and Islamabad have bolstered their ties in recent months following US President Donald Trump's active role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India after a four-day armed conflict in May.

Trump also hosted a lunch for Munir at the White House in June in a rare diplomatic breakthrough.

Also, Trump imposed a 19% tariff on goods from Pakistan, while slapping India with a 50% duty.