Daily Times

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Saturday, while commending the ASEAN states for handling COVID-19 pandemic, called for enhanced cooperation and collaboration among the member states for betterment of humanity.

“This unprecedented crisis calls for harnessing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, embodied so admirably by ASEAN, for the greater good of all humanity,” the foreign minister said in his message to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its members on the 53rd ASEAN Day, a Foreign Office press release said.

August 8, 1967, was the historic day when five South East Asian nations forged a common platform premised on the basic principles of cooperation, amity and non- interference. Extending felicitations to the members, the foreign minister said, “Now, ASEAN is a dynamic organization of 10 members, spanning an area of 4.4 million square kilometers, a population of over 649 million, and a GDP exceeding US$2.9 trillion.” He said the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, comprising the ASEAN political-security, economic and socio-cultural components provided a blueprint to further integrate, synergize and harness the immense potential of the peoples and economies of the region. “In pursuit of this noble endeavour, we wish ASEAN and its members every success,” he remarked.

The foreign minister said Pakistan enjoyed close, friendly ties with all ASEAN members and its historic and deep-rooted relations pre-date the modem era, harkening back to abiding linkages forged during the time of the Gandhara Civilization. “This enduring and unique relationship finds expression today in Pakistan’s association with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, and an active member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). We remain committed to upgrading our partnership with ASEAN to higher levels,” he resolved.

He said that in line with its ‘Vision East Asia’ policy, Pakistan would continue to deepen and further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties with ASEAN and its members.

Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Saturday said that Pakistan remains steadfast in support of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan. “Good to speak (with Mike Pompeo) and to reiterate Pakistan’s continued stand for regional peace and security. We remain steadfast in support of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan,” the foreign minister said on Twitter.

He was referring to his Friday’s telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wherein in the two sides discussed the bilateral and regional matters including Kashmir dispute as well as Afghan peace process.

Qureshi said Pakistan looked forward to strengthening bilateral relationship with the US and to continuing as anchors of stability.

The foreign minister’s tweet came in response to an earlier tweet by Pompeo saying, “Productive call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi today about continued cooperation on Afghan peace and the importance of supporting regional stability. I look forward to advancing our shared goals and increasing partnership.”