ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Wednesday left for Cambodia to lead the nation’s delegation at the ministerial meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) being held in the capital of Phnom Penh from August 4-6.
In a pre-departure statement, Zardari said he looked forward to attending the 29th annual summit and holding bilateral interactions with the representatives of ASEAN nations.
The meeting will be attended by the foreign ministers and representatives of the 27 ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) member countries, and the secretary-general of the bloc.
At the meeting, Zardari will participate in deliberations on political and security issues of concern to Asia-Pacific aimed at promoting common solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
He will also call on the prime minister and foreign minister of Cambodia and have bilateral meetings with a number of counterparts on the sidelines.
Established in 1994, the ARF is an important platform for consultations among countries of the Asia-Pacific on issues related to regional peace and security. Since joining the body in 2004, Pakistan has been an active member and regularly participates in its activities.
