ASEAN values its partnership with Pakistan and Pakistan’s role to support the ASEAN community building efforts: H.E Azhar Mazlan
Pakistan is land bridge btw ASEAN & SCO – Maritime Hub @ Sea Trade Route – Provides Security in the Ocean : Dr Asad Majeed Khan
Envoys, Spouses & Staff of ACI make 56th ASEAN DAY memorable event with Colors & Cultures of South East Asia
Report : Tazeen Akhtar / Pictures : Ramzan Mughal
Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N) has always been referred as the most promising region or block for Pakistan by our organization and in our articles, to promote cooperation in all spheres , especially in religious tourism of Gandhara Civilization, Pakistan is the center of which with the largest number of sites including UNESCO recognized World Heritage sites. ASEAN is the 5th largest economy in the World that is poised to take the position of 4th in next two years. Present volume of trade between Pakistan and ASEAN countries is between USD10 to 11 Billion that can be increased multiple times. Satisfactorily, both sides have complete understanding of the prospects moving forward on the things necessary to transform the cordial political relations into meaningful trade and economic cooperation. That spirit was observed once again at 56th ASEAN Day celebration in Islamabad at Serena Hotels on 08 Aug 2023.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn addressed the guests online from headquarters in Jakarta Indonesia. He shared the vision and the purpose of the organization. He shared the aims and fundamental principles of ASEAN.
The message of H.E Bilawal Bhutto Zardari truly portrays the close bonds and growing cooperation. He said, “The “ASEAN way” of diplomatic engagement provides a blueprint for regional peace and cooperation. ASEAN is today a central pillar of regional architecture.
ASEAN is today a central pillar of regional architecture, Bilawal Bhutto’s message on ASEAN Day –
H.E Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, Chair of ASEAN Committee Islamabad and member envoys hosted a grand reception to mark the auspicious day that was graced by Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan Dr Asad Majeed as chief guest. Director General ASEAN at MOFA Mr. Amir Ahmed Atozai was also present.
Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Ambassador Turkmenistan H.E Atadjan Movlamov also attended the event. The members of ACI, Ambassador of Vietnam, H.E Nguyen Tien Phong , Ambassador of Thailand, H.E Chakkrid Krachaiwong, Ambassador of Philippines, H.E Maria Agnes M. Cervantes, DHM of Brunei Mr. Usman, Myanmar Mr. Aung . Ambassadors of UAE, Japan, Russian Federation, Brazil, Azerbaijan, DHM of India, High Commissioner of Australia and many other diplomats joined the event.
Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E Adam M. Tugio was in Jakarta for official work there. DHM of Indonesia participated in the celebration. The staff of the Indonesian embassy also added to the colors of the reception.
The cultural shows, stalls of food, literature, handicrafts and other products of member states were great attractions for the guests. The spouses of the envoys of ACI fully contributed with their skills and commitments to make the event memorable for a long time. The embassies especially invited cultural groups and singers from their countries to perform in the event. The singers and artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines enthralled the audience with their performance. Marshal Arts group of Pakistani children trained by Vietnam embassy received huge applaud from the guests. Tea from Brunei was tasted with astonishment of the visitors as it was very close to Pakistani tea. Dr Asad Majeed and Amir Ahmed Atozai visited the stalls of the missions and took keen interest in the items and food available there.
H.E Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia
H.E shed light on the past, present and future of ASEAN. He also discussed the avenues of cooperation with Pakistan.
He said, Since its inception , ASEAN has played a pivotal role in the maintenance of regional peace, security and stability.Having a combined young dynamic population of 660 Million people, we can calculate the immense potential that lies in front of us for ASEAN. With an aggregate GDP exceeding USD 3 trillion, ASEAN stands as a shining example of successful regional economic integration within the developing world.
The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November 2020 with five trading partners marked a significant milestone, underscoring ASEAN’s role as an example of “open regionalism.”
In the realm of culture and people to people exchanges, the positive impact of initiatives like the ASEAN Cultural Festival and educational scholarships are commendable.These endeavors have not only enriched our understanding of each other’s diverse traditions but have also nurtured enduring friendships among our people.
As we gaze into the future, it is imperative that we acknowledge both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.The global landscape is undergoing unprecedented transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Indonesia assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023 with the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” This theme reflects two important aspects; 1- ASEAN must prepare for the future regional and global challenges, 2- ASEAN maintains regional strength as the global driver of economic growth.
It underlines the commitment by ASEAN member states on critical issues affecting the people such as food and energy security, health and financial stability and improving the effectiveness and capacities of its institutions.
Asia will Rise thanks to the Economic Development of ASEAN – Pakistan to Strengthen Cooperation: Hina Rabbani Khar
ASEAN-Pakistan
H.E Azhar Mazlan said, ASEAN values its partnership with Pakistan and Pakistan’s role to support the ASEAN community building efforts. I am confident that this partnership would spur deeper engagements and interactions between ASEAN and Pakistan in the meaningful cooperation across three pillars of ASEAN namely ASEAN Political- Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
ASEAN Pakistan cooperation has extended in various sectors, among others, in trade and investment, agriculture, education, culture and tourism, capacity building and technical cooperation. I would like to cite the ASEAN Pakistan Free Trade Agreement which took effect in 2013, as a testament to the strengthened economic ties between ASEAN and Pakistan. In 2022 the total trade approached a significant milestone of USD 11 Billion.
Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, Dr Asad Majeed Khan
Dr Asad Majeed Khan, in his address felicitated ASEAN members and recalled the history of Pakistan ASEAN relationship that goes deep to 3 decades. He said, Pakistan is looking forward to full dialogue partner status in ASEAN.
Dr Asad Majeed Khan shared, Pakistan’s focus is also on development, stability, peace and good relations with all countries as is the policy of ASEAN. Pakistan has been a sectoral dialogue partner at ASEAN since 1993, the oldest status.
He recalled his recent participation at the ASEAN meeting at Jakarta and shared on a lighter note , ” One ambassador of a member state appreciated Pakistan as the oldest sectoral partner. I replied that it is a status that can be celebrated now. But , we are looking forward to moving forward now as full partner. We deserve the next status now.”
The top official at Pakistani MOFA expressed desire to increase the cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN. He termed the present status of trade (USD 10 to 11 Billion) not in accordance with the true potential.
He was optimistic on further improvement of cooperation as tourism is flourishing , the number of Pakistani students and diaspora in ASEAN is increasing. Pakistan is keen to promote relations in all sectors. Both sides have great potential to enhance sustainable cooperation and partnership in multiple fields including trade and tourism.
Dr Asad Majeed Khan also discussed geo-strategic dynamics of the region including maritime opportunities in the Indian Ocean. He said, Pakistan is a land bridge between SCO and ASEAN. Pakistan holds a key position at the maritime trade route as a hub of sea trade. Pakistan is the caretaker of interests of the countries of the region in maritime domain.
Pakistan Navy led International Security Task Force 150 and 151 in Arabian Sea two times.
“Pakistan Navy has conducted maritime exercises with China, USA and Russia. We are torch bearers of International cooperation. Pakistan wants a strong ASEAN and Pakistan is also keen to be full partners of ASEAN.”
History of ASEAN & Relations with Pakistan
8 August 1967 marks the historic day when 5 South East Asian nations forged a common platform premised on the basic principles of cooperation, amity and non- interference. Today, ASEAN is a dynamic organization of 10 members, spanning an area of 4.4 million square kilometers, a population of over 660 million, and a GDP exceeding US$3 trillion. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025, comprising the ASEAN Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural components provides a blueprint to further integrate, synergize and harness the immense potential of the peoples and economies of the region. In pursuit of this noble endeavour, we wish ASEAN and its members every success.
Pakistan enjoys close, friendly ties with all ASEAN members. Our historic and deep-rooted relations pre-date the modern era, harkening back to abiding linkages forged during the time of the Gandhara Civilization.
Pakistan as Sectoral Dialogue Partner, and an active member of the ASEAN Regional Forum In line with its ‘Vision East Asia’ policy, Pakistan will continue to deepen and further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties with ASEAN and its members.Pakistan has long-standing cooperation with ASEAN, as the Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 1993, member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) since 2004, also having acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia in 2004.
Pakistan appreciates ASEAN’s progress and significant strides in advancing regional cooperation. In line with its ‘Vision East Asia’ policy, Pakistan attaches high priority to further strengthening its multi-dimensional relations with ASEAN, including through enhanced connectivity and people-to-people contacts.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s participation in the 29th ARF Ministerial Meeting held recently in Phnom Penh was a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its partnership with ASEAN.
Pakistan at ASEAN Regional Forum – Tazeen Akhtar
