ISLAMABAD, 29 September 2026—The Working Group of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) convened at the Ramada Islamabad Hotel on 29 September 2026 to coordinate upcoming activities and priorities for the remainder of the Philippine Chairship of the ACI through December 2026.
The meeting was convened and hosted by Vice Consul Rain Mendoza (the current chair of the ACI Working Group) and brought together Ms. Siti Nurhaziqah of Brunei Darussalam; Mr. Ferry Murdiansyah of Indonesia; Mr. Mohamad Alif Syafiq Bin Mohd Faudzi and Ms. Shahida Binti Md Shoberi of Malaysia; Mr. Nyein Chan Zaw and Mr. Myo Kyaw Htun of Myanmar; Mr. Chonnakant Lertsatit of Thailand; and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duc of Viet Nam.
The Working Group reviewed immediate and upcoming ACI engagements, coordinated the schedules of the ASEAN Heads of Mission, and discussed the implementation of activities planned for the remainder of the Philippine Chairship. Members also exchanged views on operational requirements, potential challenges, and areas where ASEAN Missions could provide mutual support to ensure the effective delivery of collective ACI initiatives.
Particular attention was given to advance scheduling and identifying dates when ASEAN Heads of Mission would be unavailable. The exercise is intended to facilitate better planning and maximize the participation of all seven ASEAN Missions represented in Islamabad in upcoming ACI activities.
The meeting underscored the importance of communication, connectivity, cooperation, and collaboration among ASEAN Missions. While regular coordination through digital platforms remains useful, the Working Group recognized the continuing value of face-to-face discussions in resolving outstanding matters, understanding the requirements of individual Missions, and reaching decisions more efficiently.
The Philippine Embassy expressed its appreciation to the Working Group members for their continued support for the Philippine Chairship. As the operational backbone of many ACI initiatives, the Working Group plays an important role in translating the directions of the ASEAN Heads of Mission into coordinated activities and sustaining continuity from one ACI Chairship to the next.
The meeting concluded with a dinner that provided members an opportunity to continue their exchanges in an informal setting and strengthen camaraderie among the ASEAN Missions.
The Philippine Embassy likewise thanked Ramada Islamabad Hotel for its assistance and hospitality in hosting the meeting and facilitating the arrangements for the ACI Working Group. END
