LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have adopted a joint statement on the need to strengthen regional cooperation on energy security, maritime safety, food supply and crisis response.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during a press conference at the International Media Center on Friday after the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings that leaders discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions on trade, investment, energy markets, and supply chains across Southeast Asia.
Asean expressed concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, which it said threatened civilian safety and regional stability.
Leaders welcomed a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan with support from other parties, and called for continued negotiations toward a lasting resolution.
The statement called on all parties to exercise restraint, stop hostilities, and avoid actions that could escalate the situation.
Asean emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the primary tools for resolving conflict.
Based on the complete copy of their statement, leaders reaffirmed obligations under international law, including the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law.
They called for the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian personnel.
Asean reaffirmed maritime safety and freedom of navigation in international straits under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The statement raised concern over unilateral or discriminatory actions that could disrupt transit through the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways.
It called for safe, unimpeded, and continuous passage for vessels and aircraft and stressed compliance with maritime safety conventions.
Marcos said Asean leaders linked maritime disruption risks to global energy supply stability.
“As has been demonstrated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Hormuz is 20 percent of the entire oil supply of the world,” Marcos said.
Leaders said disruptions in key maritime routes could affect global trade, energy prices, and supply chains.
Asean reaffirmed the need to maintain open markets and ensure the flow of essential goods, including food, energy, and medical supplies.
On energy security, Asean leaders agreed to accelerate ratification of the Asean Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA) to strengthen regional preparedness through information sharing, contingency planning, and coordinated response during fuel shortages.
Leaders also supported efforts to expand renewable energy, diversify supply sources, and increase intra-Asean energy trade.
The statement called for progress on the Asean Power Grid and cross-border electricity projects to support regional energy stability.
Asean leaders also addressed financial stability, and called for stronger policy coordination, cooperation with international financial institutions, and measures to support liquidity and trade flows.
On food security, Asean leaders agreed to strengthen monitoring systems on production, fertilizer supply, prices, and logistics.
Leaders supported the use of the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve to support member states during supply disruptions.
The statement called for stronger coordination to maintain access to essential goods and stabilize supply chains.
Asean also committed to keeping trade routes open, maintaining freedom of navigation, and avoiding unnecessary trade restrictions.
Leaders reaffirmed commitment to UNCLOS and international trade rules.
Leaders urged swift ratification of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and supported the expansion of digital trade systems, including the Asean Single Window and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Asean strengthened crisis coordination measures across its political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
The statement called for improved communication among foreign ministries, expanded cross-sectoral consultations, and enhanced early warning systems.
The statement tasked Asean ministers and sectoral bodies with implementing priority actions within the year and reporting progress to leaders.
Marcos said Asean leaders focused on coordination across energy, food, and trade systems to address external shocks and strengthen regional preparedness.
Additionally, the country offered to host a proposed Asean Maritime Center as Southeast Asian leaders moved to strengthen coordination on maritime security amid rising uncertainty in the South China Sea.
