ASEAN, Pakistan reaffirm commitment to deepen partnership during a meeting held in Jakarta.
ASEAN and Pakistan reiterated their dedication to strengthening their partnership during the 8th Meeting of the ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee, which took place at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
The meeting reviewed the progress made in the initial year of the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) (2024-2028). Both sides acknowledged key advancements in various fields, including trade and investment, business-to-business connections, science, technology, innovation, information and media, and human resource development.
Both ASEAN and Pakistan agreed on the vast potential for enhanced collaboration and emphasized the need for closer cooperation to maximize the benefits of their partnership. ASEAN encouraged Pakistan to support the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans while actively engaging in practical cooperation across the four key areas outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Additionally, ASEAN urged Pakistan to contribute to the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC) and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV, while also fostering collaboration with ASEAN centres of excellence.
Looking forward, both sides explored opportunities to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest as guided by the PCA 2024-2028. These include combating transnational crime, promoting peace and reconciliation, boosting trade and investment, digital economy and cybersecurity, business networking, food security, the halal industry, energy security, tourism, renewable energy, circular and green economy, infrastructure development, disaster management, climate change, education, human resource development, media, health, and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting also acknowledged Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2025, the progress of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network initiative, and ASEAN’s efforts toward sustainable development and reducing development disparities.
The session was co-chaired by H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, and H.E. Ameer Khurram Rathore, Ambassador of Pakistan to ASEAN. Representatives from the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, along with their delegations, attended the meeting. Timor-Leste participated as an observer.
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