Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
ISLAMABAD : 11 June 2026 – The President and the government of Pakistan have expressed their best wishes on the occasion of the 128th Independence Day of Philippines, 77 years of relations between the two nations, extended heartfelt felicitations to the Government and the people of the Philippines.
Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of Philippines hosted a reception to celebrate the day where the message of President H.E Asif Ali Zardari, was read by the Press Secretary Murtza Solangi while Chief Guest, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanvir Hussain expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
President in his message said, “Pakistan expresses its deep admiration for the resilience and courage that have come to define the people of the Philippines over the course of their remarkable national journey, I extend my best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Philippines, with the sincere desire that the friendship between our two nations continues to flourish in the years ahead.”
“As both nations prepare to mark 77 years of formal diplomatic relations , our relationship remains rooted in mutual respect, goodwill and a genuine desire to work together for the betterment of both countries, President added.
He said, Pakistan reiterates its shared commitment to multilateral cooperation in vital global forums, including the United Nations and ASEAN, emphasising our determination to carry this relationship forward with renewed energy and purpose. The bilateral partnership holds considerable promise and both nations are actively exploring avenues for further expansion.
The Philippines and Pakistan: Friendship Across Asia, Partnership for the Future
” Pakistani textiles, pharmaceuticals, food products and manufactured goods effectively complement the established strengths of the Philippines in electronics, agricultural produce and coconut-based industries. The enormous untapped potential in agriculture, food security, healthcare, defence cooperation, education, information technology and renewable energy must be harnessed through greater business-to-business engagement, joint ventures and policy cooperation.”
President Asif Ali Zardari
President said, the Government of Pakistan expresses its deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Philippine government and its people to the resident Pakistani community. Our compatriots, including professionals, entrepreneurs and families living in the Philippines, serve as a vital bridge of friendship, strengthening essential people-to-people ties between the two nations.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development and the collective quest for a more equitable and just international order, President concluded.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanvir Hussain highlighted the importance of enhancing trade and economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Minister said that both countries share a common vision on regional and international issues and remain committed to the principles of multilateralism, peace and sustainable development. He noted that Islamabad and Manila have maintained cordial and constructive relations over the years and continue to cooperate at various international forums.
He said Pakistan, being one of the world’s leading rice exporters and a major producer of citrus fruits, sees significant potential for increasing agricultural exports to the Philippines.
He also underlined the role of the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Economic Commission in strengthening economic engagement and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
In this regard, he announced that the next meeting of the Joint Commission is expected to be held in February 2027, which would provide an important platform for both sides to review ongoing collaboration and identify new opportunities for partnership.
Minister acknowledged the Philippines’ active role in regional affairs, including its chairmanship responsibilities and participation in ASEAN initiatives.
He said Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the Philippines in promoting regional connectivity, economic integration, peace and prosperity.
The minister emphasized that stronger people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and business linkages would further contribute to deepening mutual understanding between the two nations.
Ambassador H.E Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez , in his welcome address, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations , particularly in the fields of trade, economic cooperation, diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges.
The ambassador emphasized that no nation can prosper in isolation and stressed the importance of cooperation among friendly countries to achieve peace, stability, and sustainable development.
He said economic diplomacy remains a key pillar of bilateral relations. He noted that the two countries recently held the “Second Joint Economic Commission” on Trade and Economic Cooperation, aimed at expanding commercial engagement and investment opportunities.
“Philippines offers Pakistan an important gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) a regional bloc with a combined GDP of approximately $4 trillion, presenting vast opportunities for trade and economic collaboration.”
Ambassador H.E Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez
The envoy also underscored the importance of political diplomacy, mutual respect, harmony, and shared values in strengthening relations between the two nations.
He praised Pakistan and the Philippines as like-minded countries working together to promote peace, dignity, resilience, and capacity building.
“Pakistan and the Philippines enjoy a strong friendship, and we look forward to further deepening our cooperation in the years ahead,” Ambassador Fernandez said.
He thanked the guests for joining the celebrations and reflected on the significance of independence, resilience, and national unity.
Ambassador mentioned the devastating earthquake that recently affected parts of the Philippines, paying tribute to those impacted by the tragedy and highlighting the enduring strength of the Filipino people.
The event was attended by diplomats, government officials, members of the business community and representatives from various sectors who gathered to celebrate the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Philippines.
The ceremony featured cultural presentations and provided an opportunity for guests to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
