The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that, early on Monday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to discuss bilateral relations.
On its Twitter account, the SPA posted images of the crown prince’s reception for the army chief at his “winter camp” in the Saudi city of AlUla.
سمو #ولي_العهد وقائد الجيش الباكستاني يستعرضان العلاقات الثنائية وفرص تطويرها.https://t.co/ZG0rWCkOwU#واس pic.twitter.com/3PhYTaPcc0
— واس الأخبار الملكية (@spagov) January 9, 2023
The Saudi crown prince and the army chief, according to the SPA, discussed a number of issues of mutual interest and bilateral opportunities.
According to the state news agency, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Muhammad al Aiban also attended the reception.
Beginning on January 4, the army chief will be making an official visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On January 10, he is expected to return to Pakistan.
Since taking over as the army chief, this is Gen. Munir’s first official trip outside of the United States.
According to the ISPR, the army chief would meet senior leaders from both countries during the weeklong trip to talk about issues of mutual interest, military-to-military cooperation, and bilateral relations with a focus on security issues.
Doors of Kaaba opened for Gen Munir
The News reported earlier today that Gen. Munir performed Umrah in the location where the doors to Kaabah were opened for him.
Gen Munir and a few other people were seen leaving the Holy Kaabah in an Instagram video. The army chief’s pants and jacket were black.
According to local media, the doors of the Holy Kaaba were said to have been opened for the top general in an extraordinary act of hospitality. In the Kaaba, Gen. Munir, a Hafiz-e-Quran, offered prayers.
Another video shows the army chief visiting the second holiest mosque in Islam, Masjid-e-Nabwi (SAW), accompanied by Saudi security personnel.
https://twitter.com/iUmarKhattak/status/1611963989855961090
Change of command at GHQ
In a ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi in November of last year, Gen. Munir succeeded Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa as commander of the Pakistan Army.
Gen. Munir became the 17th army chief as a result of the change in command.
In 1986, Gen. Munir was promoted to colonel in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment. He was presented with the coveted sword of honor after completing the 17th Officers Training course, Mangla.
He held the position of quartermaster general at General Headquarters prior to taking over.
