To mark the ASEAN Day, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held here at the Indonesian embassy that was attended by the ambassadors and high commissioners of ASEAN member countries as well as senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to a Foreign Office statement issued on Tuesday, the additional secretary (Asia Pacific) read out the message of Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on her behalf.
While congratulating ASEAN countries on the ASEAN Day, the foreign minister in her message recounted several steps taken by Pakistan to enhance its engagement with ASEAN. The minister hoped Pakistan would soon get full dialogue partner status with ASEAN. She also hoped for an early conclusion of an ASEAN-Pakistan FTA. Vietnam’s ambassador to Pakistan, who is also the current chairman of ASEAN-Islamabad Committee, said Islamabad would become full dialogue partner of ASEAN in the near future.
