The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization that promotes political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its member states. Founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, ASEAN was established by five founding countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The organization has since expanded to include five additional members: Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, bringing the total membership to ten countries.
Background and History
ASEAN was created during a time of significant political and economic change in Southeast Asia. The founding nations aimed to foster peace, stability, and economic growth in the region through mutual cooperation. The Bangkok Declaration of 1967 laid the foundation for ASEAN, emphasizing collaboration in economic, social, cultural, technical, educational, and other fields.
Strengths
Economic Growth: ASEAN has become a major economic force, with a combined GDP that ranks it among the world’s largest economies. The region is known for its dynamic markets and rapid economic growth.
- Cultural Diversity: The diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of ASEAN’s member states enrich the region and promote a deeper understanding and respect among its people.
- Strategic Location: ASEAN’s strategic geographical location places it at a critical crossroads for global trade, making it an essential player in international commerce.
- Regional Stability: Through mechanisms like the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
Challenges
- Economic Disparities: The economic development levels among member states vary significantly, presenting a challenge in achieving cohesive economic policies and integration.
- Political Differences: Diverse political systems and governance structures can complicate unified decision-making and cooperation on sensitive issues.
- External Pressures: The region faces external challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic competition from major global powers.
Global Contribution
ASEAN contributes significantly to global affairs through its promotion of free trade, regional security, and sustainable development. Initiatives like the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) highlight its role in driving economic integration and cooperation.
The Future of ASEAN
Looking ahead, ASEAN is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and integration. The organization’s Vision 2025 aims to build an integrated, peaceful, and stable region that is resilient and competitive. By strengthening intra-regional trade, enhancing connectivity, and promoting sustainable development, ASEAN is set to play an increasingly important role on the global stage.
Pakistan and ASEAN
ASEAN is a major trading partner of Pakistan with volume of trade reaching an all-time high of US$ 11 billion in 2022. Pakistan’s exports to the ASEAN countries are to the tune of $ 3 billion, whereas the imports were $ 8.8 billion. 90% of Pakistan’s trade is with five ASEAN countries namely, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Pakistan is a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1993. The ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Relations were institutionalized through the convening of First Meeting of the ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (APJSCC) on 5 February 1999 in Bali, Indonesia. APJSCC is an institutional mechanism that reviews and sets the agenda for cooperation in agreed sectors.
Pakistan-ASEAN relations have expanded progressively. In March 2019, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in additional areas including Counter terrorism, Violent Extremism and Transnational Crimes, Economic cooperation, Food and Agriculture, Science and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Tourism, Disaster Management, Culture, Human Resource Development, Connectivity, Narrowing Development Gap, and initiative for ASEAN integration.
Pakistan and ASEAN have implemented several cooperation projects. Pakistan established ASEAN-Pakistan Cooperation Fund (APCF) with an initial amount of US$ 1 million in 1994. The Fund is utilized to implement cooperation projects and activities.
Pakistan offers annually 13 seats in the fields of BDS/MBBS and Engineering for students from ASEAN countries under its Pakistan Technical Assistance Program (PTAP).
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
Established in 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a key forum for security dialogue in Asia, complementing various bilateral alliances and dialogues. It provides a platform in which members can discuss current regional security issues and develop cooperative measures through confidence-building and preventive diplomacy to enhance peace and security in the region.
Pakistan acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on 2 July 2004 in Jakarta. On the same day Pakistan was also admitted as the 24th participant of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
Pakistan is the only Sectoral Dialogue Partner that is also a member of ARF, and has been actively participating in various meetings and activities of ARF member countries. Pakistan hosted the ARF Heads of Defense Universities and Institutes Meeting, in 2021.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Regional Peace, Security and Prosperity Highlighted at ASEAN Regional Forum
Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia & Pacific), Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, represented Pakistan at the Senior Officials Meeting preparatory to the Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held on 8 June 2024.
Ambassador Siddiqui appreciated ARF’s pivotal role in multilateral efforts for regional peace and prosperity. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Regional Forum’s mandate, he emphasized the importance of international collaboration for shared objectives of stability and sustainable prosperity.
Stressing the need for an equitable and inclusive security framework, the Additional Foreign Secretary underscored the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for lasting peace and security in South Asia.
Ambassador Siddiqui condemned the rising tide of Islamophobia and pursuance of Islamophobic political agenda as strategies in election campaigns. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive approaches to address the root causes of terrorism. He also called for international scrutiny and accountability for extraterritorial killings by foreign agents inside Pakistan.
The Additional Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent and principled stance on the Palestinian question and called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and an end to foreign occupation of Palestinian territories.
ASEAN’s journey from its inception to its current status as a significant regional and global player is a testament to the power of cooperation and mutual respect. With a positive outlook and a commitment to overcoming challenges, ASEAN will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Reference Link:- https://mofa.gov.pk/press-releases/pakistans-commitment-to-regional-peace-security-and-prosperity-highlighted-at-asean-regional-forum