Islamabad, 9 August 2022 (TDI): Pakistan congratulated the member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the 55th ASEAN Day.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, “Founded on principles of cooperation, non-interference, and amity, ASEAN has evolved into an integrated economic community advancing shared interests of regional peace and development”.
🔊: PR NO. 3️⃣7️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣2️⃣
Pakistan joins ASEAN in 55th ASEAN Day celebrations
🔗⬇️https://t.co/9wbxibXLT2 pic.twitter.com/bSdgn4jNp2
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) August 8, 2022
About ASEAN
ASEAN Day is observed on August 8 every year as the organization was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration.
Foreign Ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore signed the declaration. Currently, there are 10 member states of ASEAN, including Brunei, Vietnam Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Myanmar, Cambodia, and five founding states.
Cambodia holds the chairmanship of the organization this year. The organization’s motto is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
ASEAN Day 2022
On Monday, the physical celebrations of 55th ASEAN Day were marked at its headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, after 2 years of online celebration due to Covid-19.
The theme of this year was “Stronger Together,” in line with Cambodia’s chairmanship theme of “Addressing Challenges Together.” It reminded the people of ASEAN to stay united and lend collective efforts as the region is recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Pakistan and ASEAN
Pakistan maintains a strong collaboration with ASEAN as it has been its Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 1993. Moreover, in 2004, Pakistan joined ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Since then, it has been an active member of the forum.
Along with it, Pakistan also has acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia.
Further, the Pakistani Government appreciated ASEAN’s progress and efforts to enhance regional cooperation. Pakistan looked forward to strengthening multi-faceted ties with ASEAN, including increased connectivity and people-to-people contacts.
Recently, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, participated in the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Cambodia from 4-6 August. It reflected Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its cooperation with ASEAN.