PR. No.145/2008

Date: 29/05/2008  

ASEAN AMBASSADORS' CALL ON THE FOREIGN MINISTER

The Ambassadors of ASEAN countries led by the Ambassador of Vietnam paid a courtesy call on of the Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office on Thursday 29 th May 2008. The Ambassadors included H.E Mr. Nguyen Quang Thuc of Vietnam, H.E Mr. Jaime J. Yambao the Philippines, H.E Mr. Pehin Dato Panglima Haji Abdul Jalil Bin Haji Ahmad of Brunei Darussalam, H.E Mr. Ahmad Shahizan Bin abdul Samad of Malaysia, H.E U Tin Oo of Myanmar, Mr. Chanchai Jiamboonsri of Thailand and Mr.Ibnu Prispermana of Indonesia.

The ASEAN Ambassadors on behalf of their governments conveyed condolences at the Shahadat of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. They also stated that the victory of PPP in the elections manifested people's aspirations for a democratic and progressive Pakistan.

During the meeting various issues of mutual interest were discussed. ASEAN Ambassadors stated that Pakistan had great potential of economic relations with East Asian countries that needed to be exploited.

The Foreign Minister said the Government of Pakistan would explore all avenues of cooperation with ASEAN countries. He underscored the need of early finalization of Free Trade Agreement.

Islamabad

29 May 2008