Islamabad, August 19,2026: The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Pakistan, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity, digital transformation, education, climate resilience, tourism, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
In a joint statement issued on the occasion of the 59th ASEAN Day, the ACI, comprising the diplomatic missions of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, joined ASEAN member states and peoples in commemorating the anniversary of the Association’s founding.
The statement recalled that ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, when its founding members signed the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok with a vision of building a region based on friendship, cooperation, peace, stability and shared prosperity.
The ACI said ASEAN had evolved into a dynamic and increasingly influential regional community, demonstrating that diversity can be a source of strength and that dialogue, consultation, consensus and mutual trust can help countries address differences and pursue common interests.
It welcomed the continued development of ASEAN as a rules-based, people-centred and future-oriented community, guided by the ASEAN Charter and principles of mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, cooperation and adherence to international law.
The statement noted that 2026 carries particular significance for ASEAN as it marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The ACI also welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member state, describing its inclusion as a historic development that further strengthens ASEAN’s community-building process and reflects its aspiration for a more inclusive and cohesive Southeast Asia.
Under the Philippines’ chairship of ASEAN in 2026, the organisation is pursuing the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” focusing on three priorities: Peace and Security Anchors, People Empowerment, and Prosperity Corridors.
The ACI said these priorities aim to strengthen peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation, empower people and communities through inclusion, innovation and opportunity, and advance economic integration, connectivity, digital transformation and inclusive and sustainable development.
Reaffirming the importance of ASEAN Centrality, the Committee said ASEAN-led mechanisms provide valuable platforms for dialogue, confidence-building, consultation and peaceful engagement among countries with diverse interests and perspectives.
Regarding Pakistan, the ACI highlighted the longstanding partnership between ASEAN and Islamabad, noting that Pakistan was accorded Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status in 1993 and acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2004.
It said Pakistan’s participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum and growing bilateral cooperation with ASEAN member states provided additional avenues for promoting mutual understanding and practical cooperation.
The ACI encouraged further expansion of Pakistan-ASEAN engagement in areas of shared interest, including trade and investment, connectivity, digital transformation, education, climate resilience, tourism, human resource development, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges.
It also underlined the valuable role of academic, business, cultural and civil-society institutions in deepening links between ASEAN and Pakistan.
The Committee said that amid geopolitical uncertainty, economic disruptions, technological transformation, climate change and other emerging challenges, it would continue working closely with the Government of Pakistan, diplomatic partners, academic institutions, business communities and other stakeholders to promote greater understanding and cooperation.
The ACI said ASEAN’s greatest strength lay not only in its economic dynamism and strategic importance but also in the enduring bonds among its peoples and their shared determination to build a peaceful, inclusive, resilient and prosperous region.
On the 59th ASEAN Day, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the ASEAN vision and the spirit of “Navigating Our Future, Together,” while expressing its readiness to work collectively with Pakistan and other partners towards a future based on peace, prosperity, resilience, inclusivity and shared opportunity.
“ASEAN: One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
