ISLAMABAD, June 6 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting
and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Monday stressed the
need to focus and increase exchange of trade, cultural and media
delegations between Pakistan and Philippines.
Addressing the 118th anniversary celebration of proclamation
of Philippines independence, organized by the Embassy of
Philippines, the minister said that Pakistan enjoys friendly
relations with the Philippines.
He said Pakistan desires good relations with all the countries and
believes that all outstanding issues must be resolved through
dialogue.
“Our relations with the Philippines form an important component of our ‘Vision East Asia Policy’ which aims at enhancing our collaboration with Southeast Asian region in diverse fields.”
There exists commonality of views on various regional and
international issues translating into a reservoir of good will
between the leadership and people of the two countries.
He said that the Philippines, a founding member of ASEAN, has
been a steadfast supporter of our efforts to strengthen our
institutional linkages with ASEAN.
Pervaiz Rashid said the Philippines has also committed to support
Pakistan’s bid for the Full Dialogue Partnership (FDP) of the ASEAN.
Close coordination exists between the two in promoting interfaith
dialogue at the UN.
He said the National Assembly of Pakistan formed a Pakistan-
Philippines Friendship Group in November 2013.
He added the House of Representatives of the Philippines
deliberated upon a resolution titled, “Organizing the Philippines-
Pakistan Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association” in March 2014.
However, a Friendship Group is yet to be formed there.
Chairman Senate has extended an invitation to his Filipino
counterpart to visit Pakistan. The Speaker, National Assembly has
also invited his counterpart to visit Pakistan, he added.
He said while there has been an exchange of high level visits
at head of the state and government levels, but there is a lack of
interaction between the peoples of the two nations.
He expressed the hope that the relations between Pakistan and
Philippines will further grow.
He conveyed felicitations to the people and government of
Philippines on independence day on behalf of the people and the
government of Pakistan.
