ISLAMABAD, 8 August 2026–Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alice Kalaw-Fernandez hosted a dinner for fellow ASEAN Ambassadors and High Commissioners and their spouses on 8 August 2026 at Zigolini’s Italian Restaurant, Marriott Hotel Islamabad, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, or the 59th ASEAN Day.

The dinner was attended by the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand.

In his remarks as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), Ambassador Fernandez highlighted ASEAN’s many accomplishments over the past 59 years and underscored the importance of continued unity and cooperation among ASEAN Member States. He reaffirmed the enduring ASEAN principles of respect for sovereignty and independence, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, stressing that ASEAN must continue to choose dialogue over conflict, peace over war, and cooperation over division as it faces the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The gathering provided an opportunity for ASEAN Heads of Mission in Islamabad to celebrate ASEAN’s shared achievements, strengthen bonds of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirm their commitment to “navigate the future, together.”

Happy 59th ASEAN Day! 🇵🇭🇧🇳🇮🇩🇲🇲🇹🇭 END