ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday reaffirmed its support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), saying inclusive dialogue, mutual trust and international cooperation were the most effective means of addressing shared challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remained committed to working closely with ASEAN to advance a peaceful, prosperous and integrated region.
Deputy PM Dar made the remarks in a message marking the 59th anniversary of ASEAN. He said Pakistan firmly supported ASEAN’s efforts to promote regional peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.
“ASEAN Day celebrates the enduring spirit of unity, solidarity, and cooperation that has brought the nations of Southeast Asia together,” Dar said.
“Pakistan joins its ASEAN friends in commemorating this important occasion and to reaffirm our enduring friendship and partnership with the region,” he added.
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Message by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, on ASEAN Day (8 August 2026)
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 8, 2026
Pakistan seeks deeper engagement
Dar said ASEAN is a model of regional integration and collective progress. He highlighted its achievements in economic development, social cohesion and diplomatic engagement.
He said Pakistan valued ASEAN’s role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pakistan’s relations with ASEAN were based on mutual respect, non-interference and constructive engagement, Dar said.
He added that Islamabad had actively participated in ASEAN-led dialogue mechanisms and remained committed to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), saying it had contributed to collective efforts to promote regional peace, security and cooperation.
At a time of growing global uncertainty, he said, ASEAN’s unity and commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation were particularly important.
Dar also congratulated ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on his leadership and efforts to advance the organisation’s vision of regional cooperation, resilience and prosperity.
ASEAN marks 59 years
ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary on Saturday with calls for greater unity and resilience as Southeast Asia faces geopolitical, economic and climate challenges.
The main celebration was held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said ASEAN had evolved from five founding members in 1967 into an 11-member community representing nearly 700 million people, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today officiated the 59th ASEAN Day Celebrations, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
In his welcome remarks, SG Dr. Kao underscored that this year's commemoration marks three significant milestones in ASEAN's journey: 1)… pic.twitter.com/pNXh8Ls7vP
— ASEAN (@ASEAN) August 8, 2026
He welcomed Timor-Leste, which took part in ASEAN Day celebrations for the first time as the bloc’s newest member.
Kao also highlighted the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. He said its principles of mutual respect, sovereignty and peaceful settlement of disputes remained important for regional stability.
Partners reaffirm support
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said ASEAN’s 59-year journey demonstrated the value of cooperation and the principle of ASEAN centrality.
Australia also reaffirmed its commitment to the regional bloc. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia’s future depended on ASEAN and that ASEAN countries could depend on Australia.
“As ASEAN’s oldest Dialogue Partner, we are working together to create a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” Wong said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Happy ASEAN Day to our friends across Southeast Asia,” she added.
