Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar met the Asean Ambassadors here on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Khar said that Pakistan attached great importance to its multifaceted relationship with the Asean countries with which that Asean it enjoyed strong historical, social and cultural links. She underlined the importance of forging deeper relations with these countries in all spheres particularly in the field of trade and investment, which remained far below potential.
The foreign minister noted that over the years Asean had emerged as one of the most important regional organisations in the world, and that Pakistan shared Asean's vision of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. She said that due to its strategic location Pakistan could play a role of bridge between the Asean and Central Asian regions.
Khar informed the Asean Ambassadors that Pakistan being the oldest Sectorial Dialogue Partner, sought full dialogue partnership with Asean to further develop collaboration with the rejoin in a more effective manner. The Asean Ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the meeting and assured the Foreign Minister that their countries attached high priority to their relations with Pakistan and that they were keen to further develop broad-based and sustentative relations with Pakistan. They also commended the role Pakistan was playing in promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.-PR