Pakistan Congratulates Malaysia On Successful Hosting Of 22nd ARF

By Tengku Faezah Tengku Yusof KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Pakistan has congratulated Malaysia for successfully hosting the 22nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) early this month, which adopted several work plans aimed at tackling issues affecting the region such as maritime security, disaster relief, counter-terrorism and transnational crime. Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Hasan Raza said he also hoped that the upcoming 27th ASEAN Summit in November would have the same result, to conclude a successful year of Malaysia's Chairmanship since January this year. "Under the Malaysian leadership, I hope ASEAN will achieve its objective, as this is a crucial year for achieving the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community," he said after a flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission here in conjunction with Pakistan's Independence Day. Pakistan gained independence from British rule on Aug 14, 1947. Speaking to Bernama, he said that during the 27-member ARF, a key forum for security dialogue in Asia, which has a bearing on the security of the Asia Pacific region, Pakistan was represented by its Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz. The High Commissioner also reiterated Pakistan's desire to become a full dialogue partner to ASEAN, saying that the country could contribute greatly in enhancing ASEAN's economic agenda as well as maintaining peace and security in the region. Pakistan became a sectoral dialogue partner of the 10-member bloc on July 23, 1993. The high commissioner also congratulated Malaysia on the upcoming National Day celebration. "I wish to communicate my greetings and commendation to the people of Malaysia for showing a great sense of tolerance towards each other, which is an Islamic value, human and global values," he said. -- BERNAMA