ISLAMABAD: August 07, 2024 – Former Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Ambassador Sohail Mahmood has shared that negotiations are going on that Singapore and Cambodia establish their missions in Islamabad reciprocally as Pakistan has full fledged Embassies there. Pakistan is expecting that both countries will take measures in this regard reciprocally.
He has said that even Laos is also on our priority list to forge close diplomatic relations in shape of missions at both sides. He said this in response to a question at roundtable titled “Pakistan and ASEAN: A Growing Partnership,” as part of commemoration of ASEAN Day (8 August). It was hosted by The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the (ISSI).
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said Laos is also in our priority to forge close diplomatic relations. We are keen to develop cooperation with all members of ASEAN.
Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui,Additional Secretary and Head of Asia Pacific at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, has shared that Pakistan is focusing on Gandhara tourism as an important sector of great potential between Pakistan and ASEAN. He said that recently MOFA has hosted an international conference on Gandhara Heritage of Pakistan that was attended by the stake holders including monks from ASEAN countries.
The other distinguished speakers included Heads of Missions of ASEAN member states in Islamabad and Pakistan’s Heads of Missions in ASEAN capitals. Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), MoFA, was the Chief Guest. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, made opening remarks at the event, whereas Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, moderated the session. Prominent civil servants, diplomats, academicians, civil society members, and media personnel attended the event.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the growing partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI). He acknowledged the leadership of ACI, which is presently chaired by H.E. Col. (Retd) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Bin Pengiran Haji Ahmadand the valuable contributions of ASEAN Heads of Missions.
Ambassador Mahmood underscored ASEAN’s global salience, noting its economic prowess with a GDP of $3.67 trillion and its strategic relevance in maintaining regional stability and economic integration, including through initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Ambassador Mahmood elaborated on Pakistan’s historical engagement with ASEAN, being the oldest Sectoral Dialogue Partner. He highlighted the expanding scope of collaboration, including trade, counter-terrorism, security, and people-to-people exchanges, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $11 billion in 2022.
Emphasizing the need for accelerated progress, he pointed to the importance of implementing Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) and exploring linkages with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also stressed the importance of moving towards graduating the Sectoral Dialogue to Full Dialogue Partnership.
Lastly, Ambassador Mahmood reiterated ISSI’s commitment to reinforcing efforts for strengthening Pakistan-ASEAN relations through ongoing ISSI-ACI dialogue, the ‘ASEAN Corner’, and ISSI-ASEAN think-tank network, fostering deeper ties for mutual prosperity and regional stability.
H.E. Col. (Retd) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad, Chairman ACI and High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the bloc’s commitment to stability, mutual cooperation, diversity, and inclusivity, which have been instrumental in fostering a resilient region.
Ambassador Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, emphasized the robust bilateral trade that has reached $1.5 billion in 2023-24.
Ambassador Maria Agnes M. Cervantes, the Philippine Ambassadorto Pakistan, highlighted severe impact of climate change on both the Philippines and Pakistan, advocating for robust climate action with ASEAN’s support.
Ambassador Wunna Han, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, stressed the strong and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and ASEAN member states that includes collaboration in areas such as education, religion, cultural exchanges and regional cooperation.
Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan of the Socialist Republic of Vietnamunderlined long-standing relations between ASEAN and Pakistan including in areas of mutual interest such as politics, culture, science, technology and education.
Charge d’ Affaires of the Republic of Indonesia, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, and Ms. Kamolawan Sriposil, Charge d’ Affaires of the Kingdom of Thailand, also spoke about growing Pakistan and ASEAN relations.
Mr. Muhammad Faisal shared an academic perspective, emphasizing ASEAN’s success in fostering regional economic support and good relations, serving as a valuable lesson for South Asia. He advocated for stronger dialogue partnerships and bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.
Pakistani Heads of Missions posted in ASEAN capitals made interventions at the event.
Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore, Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN, emphasized the critical importance of ASEAN for Pakistan, highlighting the region’s role in maintaining peace, security, and economic integration.
Ambassador Zaheeruddin Babar in Cambodia shared growing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Cambodia and highlighted efforts for the opening of a resident Cambodian mission in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shahhighlighted the increasing number of Malaysian tourists visiting Pakistan and the robust investment relationship between the two nations.
High Commissioner to Singapore Rabia Shafiq underlined that strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Singapore serve as a crucial gateway to the ASEAN market.
Chief Guest Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiquihighlighted the significant achievements of ASEAN over the past 57 years, emphasizing the successful cooperation among member states towards the shared vision of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
Ambassador Siddiqui also underscored the potential for Pakistan to enhance collaboration with ASEAN in trade, economic, political, security, and social and cultural domains, drawing also on shared heritage such as the Gandhara Civilization and Islamic culture. Future avenues for enhanced cooperation were identified including tourism, climate change, counter-terrorism, combating Islamophobia, and cyber security.
The roundtable concluded with remarks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI, who highlighted the evolution and significance of ASEAN over its 57-year history, emphasizing its role in promoting connectivity, trade, and investment in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Earlier, in his remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbirhighlighted the evolving partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN. He emphasized Pakistan’s status as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1993 and highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to become a Full Dialogue Partner as part of the “Vision East Asia” policy.
Editor Pakistan in the World Mr. Tazeen Akhtar, in question answer session, sought insight of the senior officials of the foreign ministry and ISSI about why is that , Pakistan has embassies in Singapore and Cambodia but does not have their missions in Islamabad? He also mentioned Gandhara Heritage as great attraction for the tourists from ASEAN countries that will build close relations on P2P and G2G levels. The answers have been noted in the intro of this report.
ISLAMABAD: August 07, 2024 – Former Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Ambassador Sohail Mahmood has shared that negotiations are going on that Singapore and Cambodia establish their missions in Islamabad reciprocally as Pakistan has full fledged Embassies there. Pakistan is expecting that both countries will take measures in this regard reciprocally.
