Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Meeting with Former US President Donald Trump

RAWALPINDI: In an uncommon and noteworthy meeting with former US President Donald Trump, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended Trump for his instrumental and productive involvement in achieving a ceasefire with India, which followed last month’s armed confrontation between the two nuclear powers.

The meeting occurred during a luncheon at the White House Cabinet Room on Wednesday. President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff, while Field Marshal Munir was accompanied by Islamabad’s national security advisor.

According to a statement released on Thursday by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Munir acknowledged President Trump’s statesmanship and his capacity to grasp and tackle the complex issues confronting the international community.

President Trump, in turn, lauded Field Marshal Munir’s leadership and decisiveness during a period marked by intricate regional dynamics. He further acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability and expressed gratitude for the strong counter-terrorism collaboration between the two countries.

The discussions, which lasted over two hours instead of the originally planned hour, explored opportunities to broaden bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, economic advancement, mining, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and innovative technologies.

The ISPR statement conveyed that “President Trump voiced significant interest in establishing a mutually advantageous trade alliance with Pakistan, rooted in enduring strategic alignment and shared priorities.”
“This engagement signifies a pivotal moment in ongoing endeavors to strengthen the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States, founded on mutual goals of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement elaborated.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel was also addressed, with both the army chief and the US president stressing the need for conflict resolution.

In a gesture reflecting the cordiality of bilateral relations, Field Marshal Munir, representing the Pakistani government, extended an invitation to President Trump for an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually agreeable time.

Earlier, President Trump told reporters that he was “honored” to meet Field Marshal Munir, adding that he invited the army chief to thank him for ending the conflict with India.

Trump added, “They [Pakistan] know Iran better than most,” and mentioned that a trade agreement with Pakistan was under consideration.

Field Marshal Munir’s visit is particularly noteworthy given the Trump administration’s role in facilitating the ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi after last month’s armed clashes, which were triggered by the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir – an attack New Delhi attributed to Islamabad without providing substantiating evidence.

The 87-hour conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations, which involved cross-border strikes from both sides, resulted in the martyrdom of 40 civilians and 13 armed forces personnel in Pakistan.

Following the downing of six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales, in response to India’s unprovoked aggression, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

The war between the two nuclear-armed nations concluded on May 10 with a US-brokered ceasefire agreement after days of cross-border exchanges.

In addition to brokering the ceasefire, Trump has offered to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India.