Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan deeply appreciates ASEAN's pivotal role in advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
This was stated by Ishaq Dar in his message on ASEAN Day. Ishaq Dar said 'On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Governments and peoples of the ASEAN Member States on the auspicious occasion of the 59th Anniversary of ASEAN. I also take this opportunity to felicitate Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, on his exemplary leadership and steadfast efforts in advancing ASEAN's vision of regional cooperation, resilience and prosperity.
Ishaq Dar said that 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.
Ishaq Dar said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (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.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan's relations with ASEAN are anchored in our shared commitment to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive engagement. Pakistan has actively participated in ASEAN-led dialogue mechanisms and remains committed to further deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Our engagement with ASEAN has been further reinforced through Pakistan's active participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), where we contribute to collective efforts aimed at promoting regional peace, security, and cooperation.
Ishaq Dar said that at a time of growing global challenges and uncertainties, ASEAN's unity and its steadfast commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful cooperation are particularly commendable. Pakistan firmly believes that inclusive dialogue, mutual trust and international cooperation remain the most effective means of addressing shared challenges. We therefore fully support ASEAN's continued efforts to promote regional peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development. As ASEAN continues its journey of regional integration and community-building, Pakistan remains committed to working closely with ASEAN in advancing our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated region.