ISLAMABAD: On 9th June 2021, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad in collaboration with Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Islamabad organized Dialogue with Experts on the topic “Pakistan-ASEAN Cooperation†. The event was organized in virtual format at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Islamabad.
This dialogue was attended by the Ambassadors and Diplomatic staff of the ASEAN countries residing in Pakistan. The business community of the ASEAN countries also actively participated in the session. The session commenced with the opening remarks by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. He expressed his gratitude to all the participants and diplomatic staff of the ASEAN countries. He stated that the initiative of creating awareness about the new framework of cooperation between ASEAN-Pakistan would bring immense benefits in multiple fields.
H.E. Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan gave the welcome remark. He welcomed all distinguished participants and panelists. He shed light on the concept of ASEAN awareness in Pakistan. H.E. Adam Tugio stated that this initiative would enhance the bilateral relations between Pakistan and ASEAN. He stated that this broader engagement would further increase people to people and government to government contacts. Therefore, would promote tourism and cultural integration.
Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed (Retd), Vice President, CGSS welcomed all the participants. He stated that this era is of cooperation and globalization. Therefore, we all must identify the areas of joint collaborative measures and integration. The broader cooperation would benefit all parties involved and enhance multilateral relations, starting from ASEAN-Pakistan cooperation.
Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai, DG, East & Asia Pacific Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan stated about a greater aim of Pakistan’s look East policy, especially, the ASEAN member states. He explained that in 1993 Pakistan became the Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN and since then it has been enhancing its efforts to gain the status of full dialogue partner. He discussed that Pakistan’s status of full dialogue partner would provide momentous to the multilateral and bilateral relations between ASEAN and Pakistan. Mr. Aamer Ahmed enlightened the audience that Pakistan’s look East policy accounts to increase business-trade relations mainly with ASEAN countries. He highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in countering the common challenges. He stated that the Pakistan-ASEAN Sectoral Cooperation Committee is enhancing socio-economic development and working in number of fields. It has also been laying foundation for ASEAN countries and Pakistan to discover wider areas to progressively work.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore gave a detailed presentation on Enhancing Academic Cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN Member states. He gave brief analysis on ASEAN 2020 targets to be achieved in multiple fields. He stated that Pakistan holds immense academic potential for the ASEAN region to engage into meaningful intellectual activities. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar explained that Pakistan has been offering many of scholarship programs in English Language for the ASEAN member states. He stated that academic cooperation among ASEAN members and Pakistan would increase people to people connectivity and cultural integration.
Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, & Central Asia), University of Peshawar gave a comprehensive presentation on Pakistan role in bringing peace and stability in the region. He stated that Pakistan is playing a constructive and significant role in regional stability and resolving the Afghanistan conflict. – PR
