ISLAMABAD: High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam and ACI Chairman, PG Kamal Bashah has said that ASEAN will continue to play a crucial role in fostering multilateral cooperation to effectively address global challenges.
He made the remarks at an event to celebrate the 57th ASEAN Day, hosted by the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum Mussadiq Malik was the chief guest on the occasion.
The High Commissioner in his views said this annual celebration stands as a testament of our collective achievements based on our shared vision for a united and prosperous Southeast Asia.
He noted this year’s theme, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” is particularly timely and significant as we try to navigate ourselves within the complexities of this modern world.
“Today, we have undoubtedly been facing numerous global challenges, including the aftermath of the pandemic, regional conflicts, economic uncertainties, and the urgent need to combat the climate change phenomena,” said the diplomat.
The High Commissioner added that in these challenging times, regional organizations like ASEAN will continue to play a crucial role in fostering multilateral cooperation in the effort to effectively address global issues.
He said the ASEAN Way principle, has been instrumental in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. “We take pride in our progress towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2025,” noted the High Commissioner.
He went on to say the partnership between ASEAN and Pakistan is rich in history and continues to flourish, grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
He said since Pakistan was accorded sectoral dialogue status with ASEAN in 1993, our cooperation has expanded across numerous sectors, including trade, science and technology, environment, investment, tourism, and human resources development.
He added this relationship can be seen in many different forms over the years, including Pakistan’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in 2004 and the establishment of the ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (AP-JSCC).
The diplomat noted the total two-way trade between ASEAN and Pakistan is growing admirably, rising from USD 10.22 billion in 2021 to USD 10.62 billion in 2022, amounting to about 3.84% increase for that period and these numbers are expected to continue to rise.
A large cake was also cut on the occasion in the presence of heads of missions of the ASEAN states.
