Thailand supports Pakistan's quest for dialogue partnership in ASEAN

Islamabad, Apr 6 (UNI) Thailand today supported Pakistan's quest for full membership of the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in view of the ''important role the country is playing in international relations.'' The expression of Thailand's support came as visiting Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri met with his Pakistani counterpart Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar here, a Foreign Ministry statement said here.

Pakistan is currently sectoral partner of the ASEAN. It was, however, granted membership of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) three years ago on a condition that it would not raise political issues, including the Kashmir issue, at the forum of which India is also a member.

''It was agreed during the meeting that Pakistan should be a full dialogue partner with ASEAN, in view of the important role it plays in international relations, its economic development, size and population, and the importance it attaches to its relations with ASEAN Member States,'' the statement said.

The two Deputy Foreign Ministers comprehensively reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues.

''While expressing satisfaction at excellent bilateral relations, the two sides discussed ways of further deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, with Bakhtiar proposing regular bilateral consultations and closer cooperation in the economic and tourism fields,'' the statement added.

Views on SAARC, including its expansion, addition of observers, and its functioning, were also exchanged during the meeting.

UNI