International

FM Bilawal expresses Pakistan’s eagerness to further strengthen its ties with ASEAN

PHNOM PENH, August 06 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who is currently on a visit to Cambodia to attend the 29th ARF Ministerial Meeting, called on Prime Minister HUN Sen in Phnom Penh on Saturday.

The Foreign Minister congratulated the Prime Minister on Cambodia’s leadership of ASEAN and ARF. He expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to further strengthen its ties with ASEAN.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appreciated friendly relations between Pakistan and Cambodia and conveyed Pakistan’s keen desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support to Cambodia through its Technical Assistance Program.

Prime Minister Hun expressed positive sentiments for Pakistan and the desire for strong bilateral ties. They also agreed to intensify bilateral engagement and dialogue at all levels and promote cultural and people-to-people contacts.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting with the Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonnon in Phnom Penh.

The Foreign Minister congratulated his counterpart on successfully hosting the 29th ARF Ministerial Meeting and appreciated the hospitality extended to the Pakistan delegation. He underlined the critical importance of ARF for regional security and expressed Pakistan’s continued commitment to ARF. He also expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to enhance its engagement with ASEAN.

The two Foreign Ministers appreciated the friendly ties between Pakistan and Cambodia and expressed their determination to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation. They also agreed to enhance high-level dialogue and engagement between the two countries and to promote business-to-business ties.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed regional issues of mutual interest. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed support for ASEAN-led processes in Asia Pacific and extended Pakistan’s support for the Cambodian Presidency of ASEAN.