Pakistan Seeks Full Dialogue Partnership With ASEAN, Aurangzeb Khichi Says
Published August 21, 2026 | 12:00 AM
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 21st Aug, 2026)
Federal Minister for Cultural Heritage, Aurangzeb Khichi, on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN and expressed the country’s desire to become a full dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to unlock new avenues in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 59th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding organized by the ASEAN Committee Islamabad (ACI), the minister congratulated the governments and peoples of ASEAN member states on behalf of Pakistan.
He noted that ASEAN had evolved into a successful and integrated community over the past six decades, fostering peace while promoting regional economic integration and shared prosperity.
Khichi highlighted the economic significance of ASEAN, with a combined GDP of approximately $4 trillion, positioning it as one of the world’s major economic blocs projected to become the fourth-largest economy by 2030.
He emphasized Pakistan’s alignment with ASEAN’s vision of regional connectivity, economic integration, and sustainable development, supporting the ASEAN 2045 vision, which envisions a community of around 700 million people.
The minister stated that Pakistan serves as a crucial partner in ASEAN-related multilateral forums and has actively implemented the outcomes of its engagement with the bloc.
He observed that bilateral trade between Pakistan and ASEAN reached around $11 billion in 2025, suggesting significant potential for further growth through increased investment, joint ventures, and stronger private-sector connections.
Khichi expressed the belief that Pakistan’s aspiration to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN would usher in a new era of economic cooperation and further strengthen institutional partnerships between Pakistan and ASEAN.
"Let us forge ahead for a future of shared prosperity," he concluded, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to contributing to regional peace, stability, and economic development.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of ASEAN Committee Islamabad (ACI) and Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, thanked participants for attending the 59th anniversary celebrations of ASEAN.
The ambassador noted that ASEAN, established in 1967, has successfully maintained peace among its members for nearly six decades, despite differences, territorial disputes, and diverse historical and cultural backgrounds.
He highlighted peace and prosperity as the bloc’s most significant achievements, enabling its member states to pursue economic growth and shared development.
Fernandez emphasized the region’s vast opportunities for trade, investment, and economic partnerships, considering ASEAN’s economy of approximately $4 trillion and a population of nearly 700 million. He highlighted the young, educated, and entrepreneurial population of the region as a driving force for economic progress.
