PAKISTAN (Commonwealth Union)_ According to US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, his recent discussions with Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa have centered on the long-term collaboration between the two defense institutions as well as on areas of common interest. In a tweet shared on his official handle, Secretary Austin emphasized the significance of this collaboration and indicated that 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the United States and Pakistan.
In a second statement, his office revealed that Secretary Austin hosted General Bajwa at the Pentagon to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the United States and Pakistan. According to the Pentagon, “This long-standing partnership continues today with discussions focused on opportunities to address key mutual defense interests.”
According to ISPR, Gen Bajwa and the defense secretary discussed cooperation in several domains. ISPR, the military’s media branch, emphasized this point in its statement, stating that the two leaders also had discussions on the regional security status and bilateral cooperation in a variety of domains. In addition, the ISPR statement emphasized the necessity for continuous support from Pakistan’s global partner for the rehabilitation of flood victims in Pakistan, as well as the enhancement of economic and commercial relations between the two partners.
Both parties discussed significant international challenges, including Afghanistan, as well as the necessity for collaboration to prevent humanitarian crises and enhance regional peace and security. According to diplomatic sources in Washington, the conversations with US officials centered on reviving the former robust defense collaboration between the two countries.
Diplomatic observers interpret this initiative in the context of the US State Department’s recent request for the release of $450 million to maintain Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft force. Following the announcement, the United States dismissed India’s criticism that these jets will be used against New Delhi. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar was present at the occasion where Mr. Blinken supported Pakistan’s right to keep these jets, but he disregarded the comments, despite having previously stated that such words do not mislead anyone.
