Shafaqna Pakistan: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday said Pakistan believes inclusive dialogue, mutual trust and international cooperation are the most effective tools for addressing shared challenges, reaffirming Islamabad’s strong support for ASEAN’s efforts to advance regional peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.
In a message marking the 59th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dar said Pakistan remained committed to working closely with the regional bloc to promote a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated region.
On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, the deputy prime minister extended his felicitations on the anniversary and congratulated ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn on his leadership and continued efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, resilience and prosperity, according to a Foreign Office statement.
“ASEAN Day celebrates the enduring spirit of unity, solidarity, and cooperation that has brought the nations of Southeast Asia together. Pakistan joins its ASEAN friends in commemorating this important occasion and to reaffirm our enduring friendship and partnership with the region,” he added.
DPM/FM Dar further said ASEAN stands as a remarkable model of regional integration and collective progress, with significant achievements in economic development, social cohesion, and diplomatic engagement.
“Pakistan deeply appreciates ASEAN’s pivotal role in advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. ASEAN Day also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of regional cooperation while celebrating the rich cultural diversity and historical heritage of Southeast Asia,” he added.
Dar said Pakistan’s relations with ASEAN are anchored in their shared commitment to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive engagement, adding Pakistan had actively participated in ASEAN-led dialogue mechanisms and remained committed to further deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
He said their engagement with ASEAN had been further reinforced through Pakistan’s active participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), where they contributed to collective efforts aimed at promoting regional peace, security, and cooperation.
At a time of growing global challenges and uncertainties, he observed that ASEAN’s unity and its steadfast commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful cooperation were particularly commendable.
Source: Dunya News
