Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations issued a joint appeal Monday for Washington and Tehran to maintain diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace agreement, while ensuring current ceasefire terms are properly enforced.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations held a virtual meeting to address ongoing Middle Eastern tensions and their worldwide effects. During the session, ministers emphasized the importance of keeping maritime and air traffic flowing freely through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The diplomatic gathering revealed growing concerns about how the conflict affects regional stability beyond immediate security threats, particularly regarding energy supplies and food distribution networks.
Leaders from the 11-nation organization emphasized the critical importance of maintaining energy access for member countries when international crises emerge.
The ministers renewed their pledge to strengthen existing partnerships with China, Japan, and South Korea designed to address food shortages, price volatility, and supply chain interruptions across the region.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told reporters that discussions included coordinated strategies for obtaining fertilizer and other essential agricultural materials.
Lazaro also revealed that ministers considered creating a rapid-response communication system for ASEAN foreign ministers during emergency situations.
The Philippines, currently serving as ASEAN chair, plans to move forward with the leaders’ summit scheduled for May, which will concentrate on food and energy security issues along with protecting citizens abroad, Lazaro confirmed.
