Islamabad, July 30, 2026 – The Europe Today: Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, has officially assumed the Chairship of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) for the July–December 2026 term following a formal handover ceremony held in Islamabad.
The chairship was formally transferred by the outgoing ACI Chair, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Lt. Gen. Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, during a ceremony witnessed by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Prior to the turnover, ASEAN ambassadors held an ACI meeting with the petroleum minister, who outlined Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the country’s energy security. The minister highlighted measures including diversification of fuel supplies, modernization of refineries, and implementation of market-based energy reforms. The discussions also focused on regional energy resilience and opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN member states.
Assuming the six-month chairship, Ambassador Fernandez reaffirmed the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to working closely with fellow ASEAN missions in Islamabad to promote a stronger ASEAN identity in Pakistan. He emphasized efforts to expand people-to-people exchanges and advance economic and cultural diplomacy to further deepen ASEAN-Pakistan relations.
The Philippine Embassy also reiterated its commitment, together with ASEAN partners, to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and friendship in support of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous region.
