Centcom commander, COAS Asim Munir discuss US-Pakistan security cooperation
Gen Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of the US Central Command (Centcom), and Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir discussed US-Pakistan security cooperation efforts and strengthening the bilateral relationship.
A statement issued by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that Gen Michael Erik Kurilla had a video teleconference with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
US General Michael “Erik” Kurilla has extended felicitations to COAS Gen Asim Munir on taking charge of his new position.
US General Michael “Erik” Kurilla has extended felicitations to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on taking charge of his new position.
“General Michael “Erik” Kurilla spoke via video teleconference with Pakistan’s new chief of staff of Army, General Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, who replace General Qamar Javed Bajwa on November 29th. General Munir and General Munir and General Kurilla have a previously established relationship from General Kurilla’s time as CENTCOM chief of staff,” the statement issued by Centcom reads.
The statement added that the two leaders discussed US-Pakistan security cooperation efforts and strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Earlier, US State Department spokesperson said that Pakistan and the US have had important relations for 75 years and the Washington is keen to continue working with Islamabad to promote stability and prosperity for the people of Pakistan and the region.
Who is new COAS Lt. Gen Asim Munir?
Lt Gen Asim Munir is currently the most senior general; he was promoted to the rank of two stars General in September 2018.
Lt. Gen Asim Munir joined the army service through the Officers Training School (OTS) at Mangla and was commissioned in the Frontier Force Regiment.
He has been a close aide of the former Chief of Army Staff ever since he assumed command of the troops in Force Command Northern Areas as a Brigadier, where General Qamar Javed Bajwa was then Commander X Corps.
Later, he was appointed DG Military Intelligence in early 2017 and made ISI chief in October the following year. However, his tenure as the top intelligence officer was short-lived as he was replaced by Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed within eight months of the service at the insistence of the then Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He was posted as Gujranwala Corps Commander before being transferred as Quartermaster General at GHQ where he held the post for two years.
Lt-Gen Munir is the recipient of the Sword of Honour from the 17th course of the Officers Training School in Mangla. Also, he is the recipient of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
He is a ‘Hafiz-e-Quran’ who memorised the Quran during his posting in Saudi Arabia as Lt Colonel.
