Pakistan’s ASEAN Dialogue Partner Bid to be Discussed with Regional Leaders - Malaysian PM

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), June 7 (Bernama) -- Pakistan’s bid to become a full dialogue partner with ASEAN will be discussed with leaders of the regional grouping, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“It will be brought up for discussion at the ASEAN leaders’ conference,” he told reporters briefly after performing the Eid al-Adha prayers here Saturday.

He said this when asked to comment on Pakistan’s renewed efforts to elevate its partnership status with ASEAN.

On Friday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah reportedly said that Islamabad is renewing its push to become a full dialogue partner, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and deepening engagement with the bloc.

Pakistan, which became ASEAN’s first sectoral dialogue partner in 1993, has consistently valued its cooperation with the regional grouping and aims to further expand those ties.

In October last year, Anwar was quoted as saying that Malaysia fully supported Pakistan's efforts to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN.

Meanwhile, when asked about Pakistan welcoming his offer to mediate in the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, Anwar said Malaysia only hopes for a peaceful resolution.

“I have no role to play, I’m simply offering my opinion,” he said.

-- BERNAMA