On Monday, 10 July 2023, Ambassador Azhar held a meeting with His Excellency Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, at the latter's Office.
During the meeting, both sides discussed Malaysia and Pakistan's participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Jakarta on 14 July 2023. Apart from that, they also discussed various ways to enhance the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia. Dr. Asad emphasized the need for Pakistan to play a more active role with ASEAN and in its bilateral relations with Malaysia. Additionally, Malaysia also suggested closer collaboration in areas such as the blue economy, palm oil trade research collaboration, and exploring the possibility of alternative trade mechanism with Pakistan.
Ambassador Azhar took the opportunity to brief Dr. Asad on the arrangements for ASEAN Day on 8 August 2023. As the Chair of ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) Ambassador Azhar has invited Foreign Minister Bilawal as the Chief Guest to the event. Ambassador Azhar also briefed Dr. Asad on other ACI programs, which include the ASEAN Business Forum and the launching of the ASEAN Book Corner at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
