ISLAMABAD: Monitoring Desk – Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump have discussed the Iran-Israel conflict at the White House. The development came during a rare one-on-one meeting between Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Munir and President Trump over lunch at the White House Cabinet Room.
During his interaction with journalists following the key meeting, the US president said that he had the “honour” of meeting with Field Marshal Munir. The US president maintained that he invited the army chief to thank him for ending the war with India.
Here Prime Minister Modi has said couple of days ago that there were no US mediation on ceasefire with Pakistan. The question is, how Trump stated this in the meeting with Pakistani Military Commander? Field Marshal’s response to Trump’s statement has not been shared from any side. Trump’s statement actually conveys that Pakistan and India can start or end wars on the desire of USA.
About the meeting, President Trump shared, “Well, they (Pakistan) know Iran. Better than most,” Trump added. He further said that a trade deal was being discussed with Pakistan.
Responding to another question, President Trump said he has not made a decision on how to proceed on Iran and he will hold a meeting later in the day in the White House Situation Room.
He added that Iran wants to meet and the US side “may do that.” Trump said that Israel was “doing well” in its attacks aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear facilities. The US president said that he had not closed door on meeting with Iran, adding that a deal could still happen.
Trump further stated that he believed that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon before the attacks began.
Pakistani Military Media wing ISPR issued the following statement ;
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, at the White House. The high-level engagement was scheduled at the Cabinet Room over Luncheon followed by a visit to the Oval Office.
President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, and Mr. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs. Field Marshal Asim Munir was joined in by Pakistan’s National Security Advisor.
During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the Government and people of Pakistan for President Trump’s constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis. The COAS acknowledged President Trump’s statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community.
President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism.
Discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests.
A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of resolution of the conflict.
President Trump commended Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics. In a gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.
Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue.
The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity. ISPR statement concludes here.
