Secretary-General of ASEAN to Conduct a Working Visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

At the invitation of H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will undertake a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on 19-20 November 2026. The visit aims to strengthen ASEAN-Pakistan relations, raise awareness of ASEAN, and enhance ASEAN's visibility among key stakeholders in Pakistan.

During the Working Visit, Dr. Kao will meet with a wide range of high-ranking government officials and key stakeholders, including H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister; H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs; and the Federal Ministers for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Education and Professional Training, Information Technology and Telecommunication, and Commerce, among others. These engagements will provide opportunities to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchange views on regional and international developments.

As part of his efforts to promote greater understanding of ASEAN and its regional role, Dr. Kao will deliver a lecture entitled "Substantiating ASEAN-Pakistan Relations: Challenges and the Way Forward" at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Dr. Kao will also meet with representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) to explore opportunities for strengthening business and economic ties, as well as representatives of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) to exchange perspectives on regional and strategic developments. He is also scheduled to meet with the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), during which he will brief the Committee on the latest developments in ASEAN, discuss the current state and future direction of the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, and exchange views on the Committee's role in strengthening ASEAN-Pakistan relations.

This Working Visit will provide an important opportunity to exchange views on the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, highlight the positive engagement between ASEAN and Pakistan, and reaffirm both sides' shared commitment to further deepening cooperation in areas of shared priority in the years ahead.