ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, prosperity, resilience and inclusivity as ASEAN Member States commemorate the 59th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In a joint statement issued on the occasion of ASEAN Day here, the ACI, comprising the diplomatic missions of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, joined ASEAN Member States …
ASEAN reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, stronger Pakistan ties on “59th ASEAN Day”
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, prosperity, resilience and inclusivity as ASEAN Member States commemorate the 59th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a joint statement issued on the occasion of ASEAN Day here, 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 marking the founding of the regional organization on August 8, 1967.
The Committee highlighted ASEAN’s evolution into a dynamic and increasingly influential regional community, emphasizing the enduring importance of dialogue, consultation, consensus and mutual trust in addressing differences and advancing shared interests.
The ACI welcomed the continued development of ASEAN as a rules-based, people-centered and future-oriented Community, guided by the ASEAN Charter and principles including mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, cooperation and adherence to international law.
The statement noted that 2026 marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the organization’s long-term roadmap for a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, integrated and people-centered ASEAN. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, whose principles of peace, mutual respect, trust and peaceful coexistence continue to have wider international relevance.
The ACI also welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th Member State, describing its membership as a historic development that strengthens ASEAN’s community-building process and reflects the organization’s aspiration for a more inclusive and cohesive Southeast Asia.
Under the Philippines’ Chairship in 2026, ASEAN is pursuing the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” The theme is anchored on three key priorities: Peace and Security Anchors, People Empowerment, and Prosperity Corridors.
According to the statement, these priorities seek to strengthen regional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation, empower communities through inclusion, innovation and opportunity, and promote economic integration, connectivity, digital transformation and inclusive and sustainable development.
The ACI further reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN Centrality, emphasizing that ASEAN-led mechanisms provide valuable platforms for dialogue, confidence-building, consultation and peaceful engagement among countries with diverse interests and perspectives.
On stronger ASEAN-Pakistan Partnership,the Committee also underscored the importance of ASEAN’s 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.
Pakistan’s participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum and its expanding bilateral cooperation with ASEAN Member States, the statement said, provide additional opportunities to strengthen mutual understanding and practical cooperation.
The ACI called for 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.
It also highlighted the contribution of academic, business, cultural and civil-society institutions to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Southeast Asia.
As ASEAN confronts geopolitical uncertainty, economic disruptions, technological transformation, climate change and other emerging challenges, the ACI pledged to continue strengthening ASEAN’s collective voice and presence in Pakistan.
The Committee said it would work closely with the Government of Pakistan, diplomatic partners, academic institutions, business communities and other stakeholders to promote greater understanding and cooperation between ASEAN and Pakistan.
Concluding the statement, the ACI said ASEAN’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.
“As ASEAN moves forward in implementing Vision 2045,” the Committee said, it looks forward to working collectively with Pakistan and all partners towards a future defined by peace, prosperity, resilience, inclusivity and shared opportunity.
ASEAN: One Vision, One Identity, One Community.
