ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a special seminar on \u201cPakistan and ASEAN: Navigating Our Future Together\u201d called for deeper and more result-oriented engagement between Pakistan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with a focus on dialogue, connectivity, trade, technology and people-centred development.<\/p>\n
The event was organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), to commemorate the 59th ASEAN Day.<\/p>\n
Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines and current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, said peace and security, prosperity and people empowerment remained central to ASEAN\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
He said ASEAN\u2019s three pillars \u2014 political-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation \u2014 continued to be relevant to the evolving partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN. He added that closer engagement could help both sides address emerging regional challenges while opening new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.<\/p>\n
In a special video message, H.E. Dato` Astanah Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN, highlighted the strong foundation of ASEAN-Pakistan relations. She identified dialogue, economic and technological cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people-centred development as key areas for future cooperation.<\/p>\n
Representatives of ASEAN member states reaffirmed the importance attached to Pakistan as a longstanding partner. H.E. Colonel (R) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mr Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Viet Nam; H.E. Mr Wunna Han, Ambassador of Myanmar; H.E. Mr Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand; Mr Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Indonesia; and Mr Mohamad Alif Syafiq Bin Mohd Faudzi, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission at the High Commission of Malaysia, expressed support for strengthening Pakistan-ASEAN ties.<\/p>\n
They underlined the need to expand practical cooperation in trade and investment, tourism, the digital economy and cybersecurity, agriculture and food security, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador to ASEAN, reiterated Pakistan\u2019s commitment to enhancing its engagement with ASEAN and its aspiration for Full Dialogue Partnership.<\/p>\n
Ms Haseen Fatima, Deputy Director, East Asia and Pacific Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said institutional cooperation had steadily expanded, adding that existing frameworks could be translated into tangible outcomes.<\/p>\n
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque, Director General ISSI, described ASEAN as an important model of regional cooperation and stressed the need for a more substantive and results-based Pakistan-ASEAN relationship.<\/p>\n
He particularly highlighted opportunities arising from ASEAN\u2019s regional economic integration, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also proposed a dedicated ISSI engagement with Pakistan\u2019s business community to raise awareness about emerging opportunities and help build stronger economic linkages.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Dr Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, called for sustained engagement and greater mutual understanding between Pakistan and ASEAN.<\/p>\n
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI, urged a broader, deeper and forward-looking Pakistan-ASEAN partnership, supported by stronger institutional, academic, business and think-tank linkages.<\/p>\n
The seminar reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing Pakistan-ASEAN relations through sustained dialogue, practical cooperation and enhanced connectivity. It was attended by heads of mission and representatives of ASEAN member states, along with members of academia and the media.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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