ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday said Pakistan seeks Full Dialogue Partnership (FDP) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as part of its efforts to establish a mutually beneficial relationship.
The President while exchanging views with envoys of ASEAN who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr said it would further promote Pakistan’s “Vision East Asia” policy which aimed at strengthening political, trade and economic ties with ASEAN member states.
The President said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with ASEAN and enjoys friendly relations with all its member countries.
President Mamnoon Hussain expressed Pakistan’s keenness to make its positive contribution after acquiring FDP status with ASEAN.
The President noted that Pakistan’s trade with ASEAN states was far below potential and emphasized that there was ample scope to increase the trade manifold through concerted efforts, a statement from the President House said.
The President said investors and businessmen from ASEAN states may take advantage of liberal investment policies offered by Pakistan and invest in the fields of energy and infrastructure.
The President apprised the envoys that Pakistan offers vast opportunities in tourism as there were several attractive tourist sites including remains of Gandhara civilization which could be of interest to tourists from ASEAN.
The President called for easing of travel and smooth visa regime to help in promoting tourism and business.
The President said Pakistan seeks friendly relations with all its neighbours and was making sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan. He said efforts of Quadrilateral Group will pave way for peace in Afghanistan to usher prosperity in the whole region.
President Mamnoon Hussain said the Zarb-e-Azb Operation has been successful and about 90% of the Tribal Areas have been cleared of the terrorists and criminal elements.
The President reaffirmed that the operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue till elimination of the last terrorist.
The President said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a landmark project of the century, which was going to open new avenues of investment and prosperity not just in Pakistan but the whole region.
The President noted that several Central Asian Republics (CARs) were evincing keen interest in connecting with CPEC to reap economic dividends.
The diplomats said that ASEAN welcomes with great interest Pakistan’s desire to become Full Dialogue Partners (FDP) and hoped that after the completion of due process, Pakistan’s application for FDP will be considered favorably.
The envoys appreciated Pakistan’s “Vision East Asia” and hoped that Pakistan’s trade and political ties with ASEAN members will grow further in the future.
The ASEAN diplomats hoped that ties between Pakistan and ASEAN member states would further strengthen.
Envoys from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia were present during the meeting.
Later, the President also hosted a lunch for ASEAN Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
Source: APP
