President Asif Ali Zardari today called for translating Pakistan’s longstanding goodwill with Myanmar into “tangible outcomes,” urging an expansion of collaboration in strategic areas including defence, trade, and health on the occasion of the Southeast Asian nation”s 78th Independence Day.
In a formal message to Myanmar”s Acting President, Min Aung Hlaing, President Zardari extended warm and sincere congratulations on behalf of the Pakistani government and its people.
The communication highlighted the “long history of cordial relations” between the two states, which the President noted are rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and historic cultural links established in the years following Myanmar’s independence.
President Zardari expressed confidence that considerable potential remains to further develop bilateral cooperation through “practical initiatives and closer institutional links.” The message identified growing engagement in commerce, defence, health, culture, and people-to-people exchanges as evidence of an evolving partnership.
Islamabad’s commitment to working with Myanmar to foster peace, stability, and development throughout the wider region was also underscored. The President noted that both countries are active members of the United Nations and other international bodies, where Pakistan values cooperation on issues of mutual concern.
The statement also acknowledged Myanmar”s significant role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for regional stability and economic integration. As a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Pakistan remains interested in strengthening its engagement with the bloc and its member states.
President Zardari concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to fortify bilateral contacts and encourage greater interaction between the public and private sectors of both nations to achieve concrete results for their peoples.