DPM/FM participates in 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial meeting in Manila

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday led Pakistan’s delegation at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, held in Manila.

Foreign ministers and representatives of 27 ARF member states attended the meeting, alongside the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, according to a news release issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson.

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister in his speech at the plenary session highlighted political and security challenges being faced by the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the world.

He said that only through dialogue and diplomacy progress could be made for achieving lasting peace and stability. He also briefed the Meeting on Pakistan’s proactive role as a mediator and facilitator during the Iran-US conflict, highlighting its implications for the world.

The deputy PM underscored that lasting peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. He expressed concerns over India’s illegal unilateral step of holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned that that such actions undermine bilateral agreements, heighten regional tensions, and carry serious implications for peace, stability, and the livelihoods of millions in South Asia and beyond.

He held several highly productive bilateral meetings on the sidelines. These included the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters; the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Miliband; the Foreign Minister of Russia H.E. Sergey Viktorovich Lavro; the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi; Foreign Minister of Egypt H.E. Badr Abdelatty; the Foreign Minister of Australia, Senator Penny Wong; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, H.E. Vijitha Herath; the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, H.E. Kaja Kallas.

During these high-level interactions, discussions were held on global geopolitical challenges. Leaders from ARF countries widely appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and proactive role as a mediator in defusing tensions during the Iran–US conflict. They emphasized the critical importance of maintaining maximum restraint and utilizing institutional dialogue to secure sustainable global peace. The Deputy Prime Minister also held comprehensive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation across diverse spectrum of mutual interests, specifically focusing on strengthening partnerships in education, health, economy, science, trade and investment.

The deputy prime minister also visited the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila and held a meeting with Mr. Yingming Yang, Vice President ADB (South Central and West Asia), Ms. Fatima Yasmin, Vice President ADB (Sectors and Themes) and other senior officials to explore ways to further strengthen infrastructure, climate resilience, regional connectivity, and sustainable economic growth. The Main Line-1 railway project, a flagship project of the government, was also discussed.