ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said Pakistan will continue to further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its members.
In his message on the occasion on 53rd ASEAN Day, the foreign minister said Pakistan enjoys close, friendly ties with all ASEAN members and will remain committed to upgrading partnership to higher levels.
The foreign minister send his warm felicitations to ASEAN on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan and wished ASEAN members success in pursuit of this noble endeavour.
He said that 8th August 1967 marks the “historic day when five South-East Asian nations forged a common platform premised on the basic principles of cooperation, amity and non-interference.”
The foreign minister said ASEAN has developed into a dynamic organisation of ten members, spanning an area of 4.4 million square kilometers, a population of over 649 million, and a GDP exceeding US$2.9 trillion.
The ASEAN Community Vision 2025, comprising the ASEAN Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural components provides a blueprint to further integrate, synergise and harness the immense potential of the peoples and economies of the region, he added.
He also commends ASEAN members for effectively and admirably handling the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the “unprecedented crisis calls for harnessing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, embodied so admirably by ASEAN, for the greater good of all humanity.”
“Pakistan enjoys close, friendly ties with all ASEAN members,” he said. “Our historic and deep-rooted relations pre-date the modem era, harkening back to abiding linkages forged during the time of the Gandhara Civilization.”
He added that this enduring and unique relationship finds expression today in Pakistan’s association with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, and an active member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
“We remain committed to upgrading our partnership with ASEAN to higher levels. In line with its ‘Vision East Asia’ policy, Pakistan will continue to deepen and further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties with ASEAN and its members.”
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