Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to ASEAN Partnership at Jakarta Meeting

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and other ASEAN member states stand to benefit from stronger economic and strategic engagement with Pakistan after Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with the regional bloc in trade, innovation, digital transformation, and regional peace.

Speaking at a reception for the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN‑Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (AP‑JSCC) in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, said Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its partnership with ASEAN.

“Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its partnership with ASEAN,” Chaudhri said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that relations between Pakistan and ASEAN have continued to grow since Pakistan became an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 1993 and joined the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2004. According to him, the relationship has been built on mutual respect, shared interests, and common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity.

“Pakistan greatly values its partnership with ASEAN,” he added.

Chaudhri said Pakistan and ASEAN are home to young, dynamic, and fast‑growing economies with significant untapped potential.

“Together, we have tremendous potential to expand cooperation in entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs), education, and people‑to‑people exchanges,” he continued.

Trade between Pakistan and ASEAN has reached nearly USD 11 billion (around IDR 197 trillion), and Chaudhri said the figure has considerable room for further growth.

He added that Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace is reflected in its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2004.

Pakistan, he said, remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy, believing that lasting peace can only be achieved by respecting international law.

“These principles continue to guide Pakistan’s foreign policy and have been demonstrated through Pakistan’s active diplomacy and constructive mediation efforts during the recent conflict involving Iran and the United States,” he explained.

Chaudhri also reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for ASEAN Centrality and the bloc’s role in promoting regional peace and cooperation.

“We look forward to working closely with all ASEAN member states to build an even stronger partnership in the future,” he concluded. ***