ISLAMABAD, Aug 20: The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, prosperity, resilience and inclusivity while calling for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a joint statement issued on the occasion of the 59th ASEAN Day, the ACI — comprising the diplomatic missions of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam — joined ASEAN member states and peoples in commemorating the organisation’s anniversary.
The committee highlighted ASEAN’s evolution into a dynamic and increasingly influential regional community, stressing the importance of dialogue, consultation, consensus and mutual trust in addressing differences and pursuing common interests.
The statement said ASEAN remained committed to building a rules-based, people-centred and future-oriented community guided by the principles of mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, cooperation and adherence to international law.
It noted that 2026 marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aimed at building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, integrated and people-centred region. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The ACI welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member state, describing its membership as a historic development that further strengthens ASEAN’s community-building journey.
Under the Philippines’ chairship in 2026, ASEAN is guided by the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” with priorities focused on peace and security, people empowerment and prosperity corridors.
The committee also underscored the importance of ASEAN’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan, noting that Islamabad was accorded Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status in 1993 and acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2004.
It called for the continued expansion of Pakistan-ASEAN engagement in areas of shared interest, including trade and investment, connectivity, digital transformation, education, climate resilience, tourism, human resource development, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
The ACI said it would continue working closely with the Government of Pakistan, diplomatic partners, academic institutions, business communities and other stakeholders to promote greater understanding and cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN.
Reaffirming ASEAN’s central role in regional dialogue and cooperation, the committee said the organisation’s greatest strength lies not only in its economic dynamism and strategic importance but also in the enduring bonds among its peoples and their shared determination to build a peaceful, inclusive, resilient and prosperous region.
The statement concluded with a commitment to work collectively with Pakistan and other partners towards a future defined by peace, prosperity, resilience, inclusivity and shared opportunity.
