Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to collaborate actively in regional peace, stability, and development initiatives.

According to a news release by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, speaking at the inauguration of the ASEAN Corner at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Minister Jilani emphasized Pakistan’s priority for a stable Asia Pacific region and readiness to collaborate with ASEAN member states in initiatives geared towards building confidence and preventing conflicts.

Mr. Jilani highlighted Pakistan’s belief in multilateralism and emphasized the importance of adhering to the fundamental principles of the UN charter. The Foreign Minister advocated for an international order built on peaceful coexistence, resolution of disputes through amicable means, and mutual cooperation leading to shared prosperity. He expressed concerns over emerging bloc politics and geo-political constructs, stressing the importance of mutual respect, benefit, and trust in international relations.

Further, the Minister pointed out Pakistan’s dedication to regional cooperation and connectivity, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a testament to this belief. Regrettably, he noted that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which had similar foundational principles as ASEAN, has not been able to realize its potential due to political challenges, particularly from India. However, Mr. Jilani emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to fortifying its ties with various global regions and organizations, including ASEAN. Highlighting the deep cultural, religious, and historical ties Pakistan shares with several ASEAN nations, the Foreign Minister underscored the shared challenges faced by Pakistan and South East Asia, including climate change, terrorism, and cyber threats. He called for collaborative strategies to address these issues.