ISLAMABAD: Speaking on the occasion of 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day, the special assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs noted that ASEAN had emerged as an important regional organization and praised its achievements in political and economic fields. 

Syed Tariq Fatemi was the Chief Guest at ASEAN Flag Hoisting Ceremony and Reception on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN community. The event was held at Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad on Monday.

He lauded ASEAN’s vision of living in an environment of amity and cooperation among member states. Highlighting the importance that Pakistan attaches to its relations with ASEAN, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister said Pakistan aims to strengthen political, trade, and economic ties with ASEAN. He especially stressed the need to increase trade between Pakistan and ASEAN to tap the vast potential in this area.

He also noted that Pakistan is a member of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and hopes to elevate its engagement from Sectoral Dialogue Partnership to Full Dialogue Partnership (FDP) in due course.