ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan desires to enhance political and trade relations with the South East Asian countries. He was talking to ambassador designate of Pakistan to Thailand Asim Iftikhar Ahmad here on Tuesday. The president said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Thailand and there is need to further strengthen bilateral relations in trade, defence and education sectors. He stressed the need for boosting ties with regional countries for getting permanent membership of the Association of South East Asian Nations. He directed the ambassador designate to keep close contacts with Pakistani community in Thailand to facilitate them.