{"id":50458,"date":"2025-08-09T11:10:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T11:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=50458"},"modified":"2025-08-09T11:16:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T11:16:49","slug":"pakistan-asean-member-states-artists-shine-at-58th-asean-day-celebrations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-asean-member-states-artists-shine-at-58th-asean-day-celebrations\/","title":{"rendered":"Pakistan, ASEAN Member States\u2019 Artists Shine at 58th ASEAN Day Celebrations"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nISLAMABAD: Staff Reporter – Pakistan joined the 58th ASEAN Day celebrations in Islamabad with a vibrant showcase of its cultural heritage, organized in collaboration with the Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design. Niftysphere students captivated the audience with music, dance, and traditional art, reflecting Pakistan\u2019s rich cultural traditions. The artists from ASEAN states also enthralled audiences with their captivated cultural performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The event highlighted the shared ASEAN\u2013Pakistan values of cultural understanding, political cooperation, and economic partnership.<\/p>\n

The ceremony was attended by ASEAN Heads of Mission, led by H.E. Mr. Wunna Han, Ambassador of Myanmar and Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi was the chief guest.<\/p>\n

Head of missions of ASEAN states, Malaysia H.E Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Brunei Darussalam H.E Colonel (Retd) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad , Vietnam H.E Pham Anh Tuan, the Philippines H.E Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandes, Indonesia H.E Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo , Thailand Ms Kamolwan Sriposil vehemently participated in the event with their cultural and cuisine stalls.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia Pacific), was the Chief Guest. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, President ISSI Amb Khalid Mehmood, Mirza Ekhtyar Baig MNA were also present.<\/p>\n

H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN addressed the guests online. <\/strong>He \u00a0acknowledged Pakistan\u2019s long-standing role as ASEAN\u2019s first Sectoral Dialogue Partner and welcomed the growing economic and institutional ties between both sides. He emphasized Pakistan\u2019s contributions to peace, development, and regional connectivity, and expressed support for deepening cooperation under the ASEAN-Pakistan Practical Cooperation Areas 2024\u20132028.<\/p>\n

Minister Khichi congratulated ASEAN Member States<\/strong> on their 58th anniversary, calling ASEAN \u201ca remarkable example of regional transformation\u201d and an inspiration for the developing world. He reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to deepening ties as a constructive partner, noting its long-standing engagement as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 1993 under the \u201cVision East Asia\u201d policy.<\/p>\n

Praising ASEAN\u2019s achievements, the minister lauded the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and expressed Pakistan\u2019s full support for Vision 2045. He stressed the importance of revitalizing the ASEAN Regional Forum to address emerging challenges, including cyber security, food security, climate change, and ethical AI governance.<\/p>\n

\"\"He noted the ASEAN\u2013Pakistan Cooperation Fund, established in 1999, as a vital platform for practical collaboration, with the 2024\u20132028 Cooperation Plan already implementing nearly 30% of its 31 initiatives. Referring to the record $10 billion bilateral trade with ASEAN in 2022, the minister called for measures to address the trade imbalance and enhance investment opportunities.<\/p>\n

Highlighting Pakistan\u2019s strengths in digital innovation, agriculture, climate resilience, public health, poverty reduction, and gender equality, he offered partnerships in these areas. He also praised the Pakistani diaspora in ASEAN countries for strengthening people-to-people ties and expressed optimism for Pakistan\u2019s upgrade to Full Dialogue Partner status.<\/p>\n

Ambassador of Myanmar and Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, H.E. Mr. Wunna Han,<\/strong> in his remarks, noted that ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, making this year its 58th anniversary. \u201cEach commemoration is a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and to honour the vision of ASEAN\u2019s founding fathers and successive leadership,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He highlighted Pakistan\u2019s position as ASEAN\u2019s first, foremost, and longest-standing Sectoral Dialogue Partner, stressing the value of this enduring partnership. \u201cWe look forward to working closely with Pakistan to unlock the full potential of our cooperation for mutual benefit. We also encourage Pakistan\u2019s continued support for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

On the cultural front, Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere, reaffirmed the institute\u2019s mission to promote Pakistan\u2019s diverse cultural identity globally through creative platforms and youth talent.<\/p>\n