Sartaj Aziz attends ASEAN Regional Forum
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ISLAMABAD: (APP) Twenty-seven foreign ministers attending the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), at the concluding session on Tuesday, resolved to intensify cooperation and consultation on growing global challenges of terrorism, migration and refugees, climate change and maritime security.
Other issues discussed included South China Sea and nuclear test by North Korea.
Pakistan's delegation to the ARF, which was held in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic on July 25 to 26, was led by Sartaj Aziz, Adviser on Foreign Affairs, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said.
ARF is an important forum for political and security dialogue in Asia Pacific region. It comprises of 27 members, including ten ASEAN states, Pakistan, China, US, Russia, EU, India among others.
The participants reviewed the progress of ARF process and issued statements on strengthening cooperation in management of cross border movement of criminals, and enhancing collaboration among maritime law enforcement agencies.
Delegates deliberated on ways and means to enhance peace and security of Asia Pacific region and beyond.
On the sidelines of the ARF, the Adviser held meetings with the foreign ministers of Singapore, New Zealand, Norway and the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
The foreign ministers acknowledged Pakistan's key role in the fight against terrorism. They also appreciated recent economic progress made by Pakistan and expressed their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields.
The Adviser highlighted Pakistan's endeavours in expanding ties with ASEAN and its member countries in all fields of importance, expressing Pakistan's keen desire to become a Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN (Pakistan is currently a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN).
