Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan and Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN.
He said peace and security, prosperity and people empowerment would remain central to ASEAN’s future.
Speaking at a special seminar titled “Pakistan and ASEAN: Shaping Our Future Together,” Fernandez said ASEAN’s three pillars remain highly relevant to the evolving relationship with Pakistan.
These pillars cover political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation.
Pakistan and ASEAN Can Address Regional Challenges
The ambassador said closer ties between Pakistan and ASEAN could help both sides respond to emerging regional challenges.
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He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation based on shared interests.
The seminar was organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad. The event marked the 59th anniversary of ASEAN Day.
In a special video message, the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the strong foundations of ASEAN-Pakistan relations.
He identified dialogue, economic and technical cooperation, connectivity and people-centred development as key areas for future engagement.
ASEAN Members Support Stronger Economic Links
Diplomatic representatives from ASEAN member states also called for deeper relations with Pakistan.
Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner Colonel (Retd.) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan, Myanmar Ambassador Win Aung, Thai Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr, Indonesian Embassy Minister Counsellor Rahmat Hindayarta Kusuma and Malaysian High Commission First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission Muhammad Ali Shafiq bin Muhammad Foadzi participated in the discussion.
They supported practical cooperation in areas including trade and investment, tourism, the digital economy, cybersecurity, agriculture and food security.
They also highlighted connectivity and people-to-people exchanges as important areas for expanding bilateral and regional cooperation.
Pakistan Seeks Full Dialogue Partnership
Pakistan’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening engagement with ASEAN.
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He also reiterated Pakistan’s desire to achieve full dialogue partnership with the regional bloc.
Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry’s East Asia and Pacific Division, Haseen Fatima, highlighted the continued expansion of institutional cooperation.
She also discussed opportunities to translate existing frameworks into practical outcomes.
ISSI Highlights Regional Economic Opportunities
In his welcome remarks, ISSI Director General Ambassador Moeen-ul-Haque described ASEAN as an important model of regional cooperation.
He called for more meaningful and results-oriented relations between Pakistan and ASEAN.
Moeen-ul-Haque also highlighted opportunities created by ASEAN’s regional economic integration, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
He proposed stronger engagement between ISSI and Pakistan’s business community to increase awareness of emerging opportunities and promote deeper economic links.
Stronger Institutional and Business Ties Needed
Earlier, Centre for Policy Studies and Research Director Dr Talat Shabbir stressed the importance of sustained engagement and greater mutual understanding between Pakistan and ASEAN.
In his closing remarks, ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood called for a broader, deeper and future-focused Pakistan-ASEAN partnership.
He said stronger institutional, academic, business and think-tank links could provide greater support for that partnership.
Pakistan-ASEAN Cooperation Enters a New Phase
The seminar reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing Pakistan-ASEAN relations through sustained dialogue, practical cooperation and stronger connectivity.
Representatives of ASEAN member states, diplomats, academics and media professionals attended the event.
The discussions highlighted the potential for Pakistan and ASEAN to expand cooperation across security, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, tourism and people-to-people relations.
Greater institutional and private-sector engagement could further strengthen the partnership and create new opportunities for both Pakistan and ASEAN.
