Jilani stresses need for common solutions to shared challenges

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has stressed the need for common solutions to shared challenges, including climate change and terrorism. The minister was inaugurating the “ASEAN Corner” here at Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS). The event was characterised by ASEAN envoys as a “milestone” in the growing Pakistan-ASEAN collaboration. The inauguration was followed by a Round Table discussion on “Forging partnership: exploring the future prospects of Pakistan-ASEAN relations.” Jilani drew parallels between the success of ASEAN and the potential for Pakistan, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the “ASEAN Corner” in fostering cooperation. He highlighted the importance of a peaceful and stable Asia Pacific emphasising that Pakistan was ready to collaborate with ASEAN states in achieving the goals of confidence-building and conflict prevention.

He expressed regret over the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) not realising its potential due to regional politics, particularly India's policies. He pointed out that Pakistan faced a range of challenges, including economic, demographic and climate-related issues, as well as the need to create job opportunities for its young population. In this context, he stressed the importance of meaningful cooperation among countries worldwide to promote sustainable economic growth. The Foreign Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's support for an international order based on principles like peaceful coexistence, amicable dispute resolution, win-win cooperation and shared prosperity.

He noted that Pakistan was actively engaged with ASEAN in various areas, including conducting courses on finance and banking.

The Foreign Minister underlined that for socio-economic development, peace and security were the fundamental pre-requisites. As such, Pakistan's foreign policy priorities for its neighbourhood and the wider region were centred on conflict resolution and development. Foreign Minister Jilani called for avoiding bloc politics and geopolitical constructs that did not align with the unique geographical, historical, and cultural realities of the regions spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As a proponent of multilateralism, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the United Nations charter. The Foreign Minister underscored Pakistan's continued dedication to ASEAN, reaffirming the objective of full dialogue partnership with ASEAN.

Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, highlighted the deepening relations between Pakistan and ASEAN and underscored the success and achievements of ASEAN as a regional organisation. He stressed that ways should be explored for deepening Pakistan-ASEAN relations in the three pillars of political-security, trade-economic, and socio-cultural.

Adam M Tugio, Ambassador of Indonesia, said that a three-pronged approach for Pakistan and ASEAN was needed to mutually benefit, focusing on common interests and collaboration in areas like economy, information technology and sustainable development goals. He encouraged intellectual exchanges through visits by Pakistani think tanks experts to the ASEAN events and frequent exchanges between relevant counterparts. Nguyen Tien Phong, Ambassador of Vietnam, emphasised the potential for increased research and collaboration between the ASEAN and Pakistan. He pointed to the vast population and market potential of the ASEAN, especially in a post-Covid-19 world.

Hakkrid Karachaiwong, Ambassador of Thailand, highlighted the diversity within the ASEAN as a strength and proposed areas of cooperation with Pakistan, including cyber security, cultural tourism, and technology. He saw potential in Pakistan's technology sector and stressed the importance of addressing challenges and realizing opportunities. Juan Paolo Alix, Chargé d' Affaires of the Philippines, reflected on the longstanding relations between Pakistan and the Philippines, emphasising shared values and a commitment to peace. Earlier, Sohail Mahmood, DG, presented his welcome address.