FOREIGN ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday pledged to enhance coordination to address the regional impacts of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to focus on energy supply chains and economic stability, while advocating for restraint and diplomacy to resolve hostilities.
During a virtual press briefing, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro presented the results of a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting regarding the situation in the Middle East.
She noted that officials agreed to collaborate on addressing the crisis’ ramifications on ASEAN-member nations.
“On energy supply chains, we also discussed the adverse impacts of the conflict in the Middle East and global economic activity, particularly on energy markets and maritime transport routes, and underscored the importance of maintaining stable, open, and reliable global and regional energy supply chains and maritime trade routes,” Lazaro said.
She also highlighted the significance of utilizing available mechanisms to mitigate the crisis’ effects, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, in coordination with relevant sectoral bodies.
Asked if ASEAN agreed on immediate measures to address rising oil prices, Lazaro cited the 43rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Energy held in Kuala Lumpur.
She noted during the meeting, the energy ministers endorsed a framework to ensure oil and gas security during supply disruptions, enhance emergency response coordination, and strengthen the region’s energy system’s resilience.
“The ministers of energy had a meeting in 2025, and they have certain mechanisms that they have formulated. So, that is something that can be activated as soon as possible. But again, this is within the realm of energy ministers,” she added.
Earlier this month, the ASEAN bloc issued a joint statement reiterating its commitment to assist ASEAN nationals in crisis areas.
Reports indicated that governments in Southeast Asian countries have been intervening directly in the market to stabilize fuel prices, especially as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut to maritime traffic due to the fallout from the United States-Israel conflict with Iran.
In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the temporary implementation of a four-day workweek in select executive branch offices to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices linked to the crisis in the Middle East.
