The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, marked the 58th ASEAN Day by hosting a roundtable discussion titled “Pakistan and ASEAN: Partners in Peace, Progress, and Regional Prosperity.” The event brought together diplomats, senior officials, and representatives from ASEAN states and Pakistan to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and celebrate the growing partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, opened the session by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to developing a mutually beneficial relationship with ASEAN. He praised ASEAN’s transformation into a major global economic force, citing its GDP of more than $4.2 trillion, and applauded the group’s focus on resilience, unity, and inclusive growth. Ambassador Mahmood highlighted ASEAN’s new Community Vision 2045, describing it as a timely roadmap for navigating global challenges and seizing new opportunities. He noted a significant 23 percent rise in Pakistan-ASEAN trade in 2024 and pointed to the potential for further cooperation through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). In addition, he stressed the importance of people-to-people ties, youth engagement, and cultural exchanges as key elements of the partnership. Ambassador Mahmood also highlighted ISSI’s efforts to promote this relationship, including the establishment of the ‘ASEAN Corner’ and the publication of a dedicated ASEAN issue in its PIVOT magazine. He reiterated Pakistan’s ambition to achieve Full Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN and ISSI’s ongoing commitment to supporting and advancing this cooperation through research and policy dialogue.
In a special video message, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding role as ASEAN’s first Sectoral Dialogue Partner and welcomed the strengthening economic and institutional links between the two sides. He praised Pakistan’s efforts to enhance peace, regional connectivity, and development, and looked forward to further cooperation through the ASEAN-Pakistan Practical Cooperation Areas for 2024 to 2028.
Wunna Han, Ambassador of Myanmar and Acting Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, highlighted the progress in collaboration between Pakistan and ASEAN and called for ongoing support for ASEAN’s Vision 2045, as well as new initiatives to further elevate the partnership. Heads of Mission from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia shared their perspectives on advancing political, economic, security, and socio-cultural cooperation, expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s engagement and reiterating their support for a deeper partnership.
Pakistan’s diplomats stationed in ASEAN countries also presented updates, outlining progress in practical areas of cooperation and growing bilateral ties. They identified emerging opportunities in sectors like fintech, the digital economy, sustainable development, trade, tourism, and cultural diplomacy. The diplomats advocated for stronger institutional ties and more frequent high-level exchanges to further broaden collaboration.
Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia Pacific) and the Chief Guest, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to ASEAN under its Vision East Asia policy. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN as a model of regional cooperation and noted Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in nine ASEAN countries. Ambassador Siddiqui pointed to initiatives such as CPEC, regional connectivity projects, and people-focused development as key avenues for strengthened integration. He called for Pakistan to be granted Full Dialogue Partner status, describing the relationship as a convergence of strategic interests and ambitions.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, concluded the event by praising ASEAN’s role as a leading regional organization and reaffirmed Pakistan’s active engagement with its forums. He expressed optimism for Pakistan’s elevation to Full Dialogue Partner status and commended ISSI’s contributions to enhancing bilateral ties through research, education, and dialogue. The roundtable ended with a traditional ASEAN handshake and a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate ASEAN Day.
