On Tuesday, 8 August 2023, Ambassador Azhar Mazlan in his capacity as the Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) hosted a reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad to commemorate the 56th Anniversary of ASEAN Day. The event was attended close to 200 attendees, including His Excellency Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan as Chief Guest, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Missions (HOMs) from ASEAN, HOMs from ASEAN Dialogue and Sectoral Partners and foreign Ambassadors.
In his remarks, Ambassador Azhar stated that ASEAN values its relations with Pakistan and he was confident that the partnership would spur deeper engagements and interactions between ASEAN and Pakistan in meaningful cooperation across three pillars of ASEAN namely ASEAN political security community, the ASEAN economic community and the ASEAN socio cultural community.
Ambassador Azhar further stated that ASEAN-Pakistan cooperation has expanded in various sectors, among others in trade and investment, agriculture and tourism capacity building and technical cooperation. He said ASEAN-Pakistan free trade agreement, which took effect in 2013 is a testament to the strengthened economic ties between ASEAN and Pakistan. He shared that 2022, the total trade between ASEAN and Pakistan approached a significant milestone of USD11 billion. He further stated that having a combined population of 900 million people, ASEAN and Pakistan could unleash the immense potential that lies in both sides.
His Excellency Dr Asad in his address felicitated ASEAN members and recalled the history of Pakistan ASEAN relationship that was established 3 decades ago. He shared that Pakistan’s focus is on development, stability, peace and good relations with all countries similar to the policy of ASEAN. He further mentioned that Pakistan has been a sectoral dialogue partner at ASEAN since 1993, and he look forward for Pakistan to be elevated to a full dialogue partner soon.
