ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan convened a roundtable meeting with the resident heads of missions from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Thursday, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to fortifying the partnership between the country and ASEAN in various domains. The meeting, held as part of Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with ASEAN, aimed to bolster cooperation in line with Pakistan’s East Asia Vision.
During the gathering, the Foreign Secretary emphasized Pakistan’s policy of proactive engagement with ASEAN member states, both bilaterally and within the multilateral context. He highlighted the active involvement of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, citing his participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum in Cambodia in 2022 and subsequent visits to Indonesia and Singapore in December of the same year. These engagements, alongside Pakistan’s support for various ASEAN-specific initiatives, underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to ASEAN and its processes. The Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of utilizing available institutional tools on bilateral and ASEAN-wide levels to enhance cooperation.
Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary provided a comprehensive briefing on projects proposed and implemented by Pakistan in collaboration with ASEAN between 2021 and 2023. These initiatives align with the ASEAN-Pakistan Practical Areas of Cooperation, as agreed upon by both parties. Notable achievements include the successful execution of diplomatic courses for ASEAN diplomats and a training program in banking and finance for central bank officials from ASEAN member states. Additionally, a forthcoming training program on cyber security and a Pakistan-ASEAN Business Opportunities Conference, scheduled for the latter half of this year, were highlighted as significant milestones.
The meeting also witnessed valuable contributions from ASEAN member states, who shared insights aimed at enhancing Pakistan-ASEAN relations. H.E. Azhar Bin Mazlan, the High Commissioner of Malaysia and chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, presented a comprehensive plan of action for 2023, outlining a series of projects and events slated to be implemented in Pakistan.
It is important to note that Pakistan has been a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1993 and has been a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) since 2004.
Pakistan’s proactive engagement and commitment to fortifying ties with ASEAN highlight the country’s endeavor to deepen regional partnerships and promote collaboration in various sectors. The roundtable meeting served as a crucial platform for dialogue, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between Pakistan and the ASEAN community.
