ISLAMABAD
\nPakistan\u2019s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, has reiterated Islamabad\u2019s firm commitment to deepening its multifaceted relations with ASEAN member states, highlighting the regional bloc\u2019s critical role in promoting peace, integration, and economic development across Asia.
\nShe made these remarks during the handover ceremony of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) Chair, where Myanmar formally passed the baton to Thailand. The ceremony, held in at the Myanmar residence, was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador of Myanmar, H.E. Wunna Han, in honor of ASEAN envoys and Pakistani officials.
\nForeign Secretary Amna Baloch lauded ASEAN\u2019s contribution to regional cooperation, economic integration, and dialogue-based diplomacy. She praised the bloc for setting a global example in maintaining unity among diverse nations and emphasized that Pakistan views ASEAN as a key partner in its foreign policy framework.
\n\u201cPakistan greatly values its longstanding ties with ASEAN countries,\u201d she said. \u201cOur engagement with ASEAN has steadily grown over the years, and we remain committed to further enhancing cooperation across economic, political, and cultural dimensions.\u201d
\nUnderscoring Pakistan\u2019s proactive approach, the Foreign Secretary also shared that preparations are underway to celebrate ASEAN Day in Islamabad in a \u201cbefitting and meaningful manner,\u201d reflecting the strength of the relationship and mutual respect shared between Pakistan and ASEAN nations.
\nThe ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) is composed of the resident missions of ASEAN countries in Pakistan, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.<\/p>\n
The chairmanship of the committee rotates after every six months among member states.
\nDuring the handover ceremony, Ambassador Wunna Han of Myanmar formally transferred the chair of ACI to the Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Rongvudhi Virabutr. The symbolic passing of the gavel marks a new chapter in ASEAN\u2019s diplomatic presence in Pakistan, with Thailand expected to further energize ASEAN\u2019s collective engagements in Islamabad during its chairmanship.
\nThe event was attended by senior officials of Pakistan\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Additional Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, as well as the heads of missions of ASEAN member states represented in Islamabad.
\nAmbassador Wunna Han, in his farewell remarks as outgoing ACI Chair, reflected on the achievements and collaborative efforts undertaken by ASEAN missions in Pakistan during his tenure. He also expressed confidence that Thailand would carry forward the momentum to strengthen ASEAN\u2019s visibility and outreach in Pakistan.
\nAccepting the chairmanship, Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr reaffirmed ASEAN\u2019s commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan. He highlighted the mutual opportunities for trade, investment, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties that lie ahead.
\nASEAN \u2014 the Association of Southeast Asian Nations \u2014 is a regional organization established in 1967 comprising ten countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its primary aim is to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its members.
\nPakistan became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1993 and has since maintained regular interaction with the grouping through high-level visits, participation in forums, and trade engagements.
\nThe Islamabad-based ASEAN Committee plays a vital role in furthering these ties on the ground, not only through diplomacy but also through cultural, educational, and development initiatives.
\nAs ASEAN and Pakistan look ahead to new horizons of cooperation, events such as the ACI chair handover reflect the enduring partnership and shared aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Asia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, has reiterated Islamabad\u2019s firm commitment to deepening its multifaceted relations with ASEAN member states, highlighting the regional bloc\u2019s critical role in promoting peace, integration, and economic development across Asia. She made these remarks during the handover ceremony of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) Chair, where Myanmar formally passed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":280176,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-492848","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n