Manila: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN and reviewed avenues to further deepen engagement in trade, connectivity, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. The DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan's desire to further expand its engagement with the dynamic ASEAN region.Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn acknowledged Pakistan's strategic location, immense economic potential, and the broad convergence of interests between Pakistan and ASEAN. He emphasized the significant scope for enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors and welcomed closer engagement in pursuit of shared prosperity.The Secretary-General also appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation amid recent regional developments, expressing hope that continued diplomacy would co ntribute to lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged and work together to advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.