ISLAMABAD, 26 August 2026—Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez met with Dr. Almas (Naqvi) Haider of Regional Rapport at the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad on 25 August to discuss possible areas of cooperation between Regional Rapport and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI).

The meeting explored several initiatives aimed at promoting greater economic, tourism, cultural and academic engagement between Pakistan and ASEAN. Among the ideas discussed were a possible trade, tourism and cultural exchange mission to Gilgit-Baltistan, an ASEAN Folk Festival at Lok Virsa, Islamabad’s premier institution for the preservation and promotion of Pakistan’s folk and traditional heritage, and an ACI–tourism industry dialogue.

The two also discussed the possibility of organising an academic forum on ASEAN and producing a publication focusing on Pakistan–ASEAN relations, with the aim of deepening public and academic understanding of ASEAN’s role and its growing engagement with Pakistan.

Ambassador Fernandez welcomed the prospect of working with Regional Rapport, describing it as a potentially valuable platform for bringing together stakeholders from government, business, academia, civil society and the diplomatic community to promote informed dialogue and practical cooperation.

The meeting forms part of the ACI’s efforts under the Philippines’ chairmanship to strengthen ASEAN’s engagement with Pakistan through concrete initiatives in the areas of economic cooperation, tourism, culture, education and people-to-people connectivity. END