Senior military officials from the United States and Central and South Asia convened in Islamabad for a regional chiefs of staff conference organized by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense reported.

The meeting, which took place on July 26, reportedly brought together high-ranking representatives from the general staffs of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and host country Pakistan.  The conference was chaired by Pakistan’s Army Staff Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and attended by CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla.

Key topics discussed included global and regional security, emerging regional threats, military modernization, and plans for upcoming joint exercises.  CENTCOM officials also presented updates on various regional programs under its purview.

This high-level engagement underscores CENTCOM’s continued focus on strengthening military ties and strategic cooperation with Central Asian nations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s The Express Tribune reports that the Regional Chiefs of Defense Staff Conference is a significant step toward strengthening regional security cooperation and military diplomacy.

Organized under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,” the high-profile gathering reportedly aimed at reinforcing security collaboration, enhancing joint training initiatives, and sharing best practices in counterterrorism and other defense-related areas.

The participating defense chiefs held detailed discussions on regional security dynamics, counterterrorism cooperation, evolving strategic trends in Central and South Asia, and coordinated humanitarian responses during crises, The Express Tribune reports, adding that the delegates also expressed a shared resolve to uphold peace, respect national sovereignty, and confront common threats, including terrorism, cyber insecurity, and violent extremism.

General Kurilla previously visited Tajikistan in June 2022 as part of a 90-day regional tour covering over 20 countries under CENTCOM’s jurisdiction.  During that visit, he met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and the then Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo in Dushanbe.

U.S. Central Command is responsible for American military operations and strategic planning in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of East Africa.

Since 1992, the United States has provided over $330 million in defense and security assistance to Tajikistan.