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ASEAN and Pakistan Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Practical Cooperation

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Jakarta, 29 June 2026 – ASEAN and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their longstanding partnership at the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (AP-JSCC), held today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) (2024-2028) and welcomed the progress achieved in advancing practical cooperation across its priority areas. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the PCA and to translating agreed priorities into concrete initiatives that deliver tangible mutual benefits.

Looking ahead, both sides explored opportunities to further advance cooperation across a broad range of areas. In the political-security sphere, both sides identified opportunities to strengthen cooperation in combatting transnational crime, humanitarian mine action, maritime security, cybersecurity, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In the economic sphere, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, business-to-business linkages, digital economy, food security, smart and sustainable agriculture, halal industry, energy security, critical minerals, science, technology and innovation and circular economy. Both sides further exchanged views on possible collaboration in climate change, disaster management, education, human resource development, information and communication technology, media, tourism, public health, people-to-people exchanges, and culture.

ASEAN encouraged Pakistan to support the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, and to undertake practical cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The meeting took note of the priorities of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, progress on the ASEAN Smart Cities Network initiative, and ASEAN’s efforts to narrow the development gap and promote sustainable development. ASEAN commended Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, promote de-escalation, and support diplomatic efforts toward achieving a peaceful resolution.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, San Lwin, and Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to ASEAN, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, co-chaired the meeting. Members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN or their representatives and their respective delegations attended the meeting.

Sourceasean.org

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