Pakistan places high priority on strengthening its engagement with ASEAN: FM

Islamabad: On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, I am pleased to congratulate the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States on the 54th ASEAN Day.

8th august marks the historic day in 1967 when five South East Asian nations forged a common platform premised on the basic principles of cooperation, amity and non-interference.

Over the past 54 years, the ten-member ASEAN has emerged as a platform for advancement of long-term collective goals. It has transformed into a vibrant and integrated economic community.

ASEAN is a fine example of ‘open regionalism’ worthy of emulation. ASEAN’s effective measures to combat COVID-19 are commendable. Pakistan’s closeness with ASEAN is exemplified by its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia and robust engagement with ASEAN led regional mechanisms.

Pakistan established Sectoral Dialogue partnership with ASEAN in 1993 and became a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 2004. The way ASEAN’s far-sighted leadership has forged dialogue and cooperation across the region and beyond, while also retaining ASEAN’s centrality, is truly remarkable.

In line with its ‘Vision East Asia’ policy, Pakistan places high priority on strengthening and diversifying its engagement with ASEAN, inter alia through better connectivity and people-to-people contacts.

Pakistan has categorically rejected Afghan representative’s statement that propagated disinformation and levelled baseless allegations against Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council with a view to mislead the international community. 

Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhari, in a statement, said Pakistan urges the Government of Afghanistan, once again, to refrain from the blame-game and engage with Pakistan in a meaningful manner to address the challenges to peace, security and progress in the region.

He said it is a matter of deep regret that, as the closest neighbour of Afghanistan, whose contribution in the ongoing peace process has been recognized by the international community, Pakistan’s request to the President of the Council to address the Council’s session and present its perspective on the Afghan peace process and the way forward, was not acceded to.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said we emphatically reiterate that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a negotiated political settlement is the only way forward for durable peace and security in the country.

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