WASHINGTON: The State Department has supposedly underscored Pakistan’s centrality to the US as a major ally and partner, following Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir’s arrival in the US this week.
Gen Munir, who is currently on an extended visit of the US, supposedly plans to have discussions with key defence, foreign policy, and national security officials.
Although the visit was announced by the army’s media wing, the specific details of his engagements have not been disclosed.
Diplomatic sources in Washington, however, said that he was likely to meet the US secretaries of defence and state, as well as the White House national security adviser.
When asked about the Pakistani army chief’s meetings in Washington, a spokesperson from the US State Department did not give specific information about the visit.
“According to a spokesperson, the United States reiterated the strong alliance with Pakistan. They highlighted that Pakistan is a significant non-NATO ally and a NATO partner. The spokesperson expressed the intent to collaborate with Pakistan on regional security and defense cooperation.”
Since Gen Munir’s arrival in Washington allegedly coincided with an Indian Supreme Court controversially endorsing India-held Kashmir’s merger with India, some speculated that the issue might feature in talks he held with US officials.
When asked about the decision of the Indian Supreme Court, the spokesperson of the State Department took a balanced position. They stated that they are closely monitoring the developments in Jammu and Kashmir and acknowledged the recent ruling of the Supreme Court in their conversation with Media.
The spokesperson is not able to guess how the decision might affect the relationship between India and Pakistan.
“We look forward to further steps by the Indian government to fulfill its pledges to restore political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, including by holding assembly elections as stipulated in the Supreme Court’s ruling,” the spokesperson added.
At a news briefing on Monday afternoon, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed questions regarding two ongoing topics in US-Pakistan discussions: Afghanistan and the political situation in Pakistan.
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s internal politics, Mr. Miller highlighted that the United States does not interfere in the selection of leaders. He emphasized that the U.S. engages with the leadership chosen by the Pakistani people. This aligns with Washington’s diplomatic approach, as reiterated by the State Department.
The spokesperson mentioned that they support finding a diplomatic solution to address the issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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