Islamabad: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has met US President Donald Trump at the White House. Munir spent about two hours with Trump at lunch and discussed many important issues. The Pakistani government and army have described this meeting as unprecedented. Donald Trump has also praised the Pakistani Army Chief. This shows the closeness in relations between Pakistan and America. Both countries have been special allies of each other for decades and now they are seen coming closer again. However, this time Pakistan may have to face two big challenges in getting closer to America. These challenges are from Iran and China.
According to Al Jazeera's report, the Pakistani army has said in its statement that this meeting between Trump and Munir took place in the Cabinet Room of the White House on the London and then continued in the Oval Office as well. In the meeting, ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Iran-Israel tension and bilateral cooperation were discussed. The White House did not issue any statement on the meeting but Trump has thanked Munir and praised him.
US-Pakistan relationship
America has been a close ally of Pakistan since its formation in 1947. After the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the US attack on Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, both countries worked together in Afghanistan. However, in recent years, the relationship between the two countries has deteriorated somewhat. In such a situation, Munir is once again trying to win the trust of America.
Elizabeth Threlkeld, director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center in Washington DC, said that Munir's visit symbolizes a significant jump in US-Pakistan relations. Security policy expert Sahar Khan also agreed that this meeting was very important. He also said that this has not made the two countries special friends but it definitely indicates a softening of relations.
The challenge of managing relations with China
Pakistan has a dilemma regarding China in getting closer to America. China remains the most important partner for Pakistan. Pakistan has deep economic, strategic and military relations with China. On the other hand, the rise of China as a global superpower has made America uncomfortable. The rivalry between the two in the last few years is not hidden from the world.
Mohammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher at the University of Technology in Sydney, says that managing relations with powers like China-America will be a big test for Islamabad. Faisal told Al Jazeera that both China and America are important for Pakistan but the conflict between these two is well known, in such a situation it will be a challenge for Pakistan to get closer to America.
Pakistan cannot ignore Iran
Iran is currently embroiled in a fight with Israel. Israel has been the most important ally for America. Israel's attacks on Iran pose a sensitive challenge for Pakistan. Analysts argue that Pakistan's proximity and ties with Tehran position it as a potential mediator between the US and Iran.
Faisal Khan says, "It is in Pakistan's interest to play a mediating role in Israel-Iran. Given its internal challenges, it cannot afford turmoil on its western border. As a neighbour, instability in Iran is not in Pakistan's interest. It can also increase sectarian tensions in Pakistan. In such a situation, Islamabad will have to be very cautious in supporting the US."
