WASHINGTON – In a landmark meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held wide-ranging discussions on joint counterterrorism efforts and expanding bilateral trade, the ISPR said in a statement on Thursday.
This unprecedented meeting marked the first time a serving Pakistani army chief was formally received by a sitting US president in such capacity, without holding political office or ruling under martial law. Held in the Cabinet Room over a luncheon, the meeting extended over two hours — double its scheduled time — reflecting the depth and cordiality of the dialogue. It was followed by a visit to the Oval Office.
President Trump praised Pakistan’s regional peace efforts and acknowledged its critical role in counterterrorism. Discussions also focused on deepening cooperation across trade, economic development, energy, minerals, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. Trump expressed strong interest in forging a long-term strategic trade partnership with Pakistan.
Field Marshal Munir extended an invitation to Trump on behalf of the Pakistani government to visit Pakistan. The COAS also thanked Trump for his role in helping defuse tensions between Pakistan and India, with Trump crediting Munir’s “influential” role in averting a potential nuclear conflict. Trump also acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Modi’s role, stating, “These two very smart people decided not to keep going with a war.”
The meeting was reportedly arranged through unconventional backchannels involving advisers, businessmen, and lobbying firms aligned with Republican interests, after months of discreet efforts. Diplomatic insiders said the engagement signals a renewed chapter in US-Pakistan relations built on shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.
