Rawalpindi, 19 August 2022 (TDI): Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, Qamar Javed Bajwa at Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest and the situation of regional security. Moreover, they held discussions on defense and security cooperation, in particular, military-to-military ties.
Further, the Chief of Army Staff underlined Pakistan Army’s counter-terrorism efforts. The Army’s contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the region were also discussed in the meeting.
Moreover, the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts in fighting against terrorism as well as efforts for regional security.
Commander US Central Command General Michael Erik Kurilla has acknowledged Pakistan Army’s commendable efforts in fight against terrorism, counter terrorism experiences and efforts for regional peace and stability. https://t.co/VmCFc5AUBB
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 19, 2022
In addition, both sides exchanged views on Pakistan and the US military training exchange program. Later, US CENTCOM Commander also visited the Army Museum.
Pakistan-US Relations
The diplomatic relations between the two states were established in 1947 soon after Pakistan’s independence. During the cold war, the states were close strategic partners and signed the Pak-US cooperation agreement in 1959.
The United States and Pakistan marked 75 years of their ties this year. Also, the two countries cooperate in various sectors including energy, military, trade and investment, health, environment, and education including Fulbright Program.
Also Read US-Pakistan celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations
Both states are also signatories to the US-Pakistan mutual defense agreement. Apart from this, the US is one of the leading investors in Pakistan and also the largest exporter in the past twenty years. In 2021, Pakistan’s exports to the state were more than 5 billion dollars.
The United States has provided assistance to Pakistan to fight the difficult times. It provided 77 million worth of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. Recently, USAID announced $100,000 of aid to Pakistan for the ongoing floods in the country.
Moreover, in July 2022, the two countries also hosted US-Pakistan Health Dialogue in Washington, DC to further deepen cooperation in the health sector.
 in Rawalpindi...Read more){kind=link}