ISLAMABAD: Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alice Kalaw-Fernandez hosted a dinner for fellow ASEAN Ambassadors, High Commissioners and their spouses at the Marriott Hotel Islamabad on August 8, 2026, to mark the 59th Anniversary of ASEAN Day.
The gathering was attended by the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand, providing an opportunity to celebrate ASEAN’s shared achievements and strengthen bonds of friendship and solidarity.Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), Ambassador Fernandez highlighted ASEAN’s significant accomplishments over the past 59 years and emphasized the importance of continued unity, cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN Member States.
He reaffirmed ASEAN’s enduring principles of respect for sovereignty and independence, as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.Ambassador Fernandez stressed that ASEAN should continue to choose dialogue over conflict, peace over war and cooperation over division as the region confronts emerging challenges and opportunities.The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment by ASEAN Heads of Mission in Islamabad to strengthen regional friendship and cooperation and to “navigate the future, together.”
