RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: A delegation of the United States Congress, led by Jack Bergman along with Thomas Souzzi and Jonathan Jackson on Sunday called on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.
Discussions during the meeting encompassed a range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional security and defence cooperation, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement based on mutual respect, shared values, and converging strategic interests.
The visiting US lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability.
They also expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and the strategic potential of its people.
Underscoring their respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty, the US Congressional delegation conveyed a strong commitment to advancing broad-based bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domains of security, trade, investment, and economic development, ISPR stated.
Pakistan’s Army Chief General Munir appreciated the delegation for their visit and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen and diversify its longstanding partnership with the United States in a manner that is mutually beneficial and respectful of each other’s national interests.
During the meeting, MoUs were also signed for training collaboration in the field of Information Technology.
Pakistan, US discuss counterterrorism cooperation
Earlier today, the US Congress delegation held an important meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
During the meeting, they discussed counterterrorism cooperation and bilateral investment, as both countries seek to forge closer ties in their fight against terrorism. A detailed discussion was held on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and investment.
Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism, and border security.
Mohsin Naqvi said that strong and sustainable relations with the United States hold a key place in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He emphasised that Pakistan stands as a wall between terrorism and the rest of the world.
Naqvi stressed that terrorism is a global challenge, and the international community must extend full cooperation to Pakistan.
The Interior Minister said that intelligence and technology sharing in the domain of counterterrorism is of utmost importance.
He further said that Pakistan’s immense sacrifices against terrorism are unmatched in the global context.
He said that the visit of US Congressmen will be crucial in highlighting Pakistan’s unprecedented role in the fight against terrorism.
The US Congressmen delegation said that there is a need to highlight Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism.
They further said that the Pakistani community residing in the United States is very talented and hardworking.
Cooperation between Pakistan and the US in the field of counterterrorism is particularly important given the increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s interim administration of harbouring terrorists that launch attacks on its soil, allegations that have been repeatedly denied by the Taliban government in Kabul.
Earlier this year, the United Nations in its report also claimed that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan is supporting the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists who are involved in terror attacks in Pakistan.
