ASEAN FMs weigh risks from Middle East conflict, call for dialogue

ASEAN foreign ministers held a virtual meeting today to discuss the crisis in the Middle East, calling on all parties concerned to seek ways to de-escalate the situation, which is affecting global security and people, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said after attending the talks.

The meeting was initiated by Thailand, Sihasak said, amid growing concern over the worsening conflict in the Middle East, in which the United States and Israel attacked Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran.

He said the ministers also discussed the need to assess the situation jointly and explore areas of cooperation in which Association of Southeast Asian Nations could work together to mitigate the impacts on their peoples, economies and regional stability.

Sihasak said members shared deep concern about the escalation of hostilities, warning that the developments reflect a broader erosion of the rules-based international order grounded in respect for international law.

“All parties are concerned because the fighting remains intense and continues to cause significant losses, particularly among civilians,” he said, reiterating ASEAN’s call for a peaceful solution and urging all sides to pursue diplomatic negotiations.

The ministers also discussed how the crisis could affect ASEAN countries, particularly in terms of energy security, economic stability, inflation and food security.

Sihasak said ASEAN already has mechanisms in place to help address possible energy shortages, including a regional petroleum security framework under which member states can voluntarily assist one another if a country faces a temporary supply shortfall.

They also discussed expanding cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid, a regional electricity connectivity initiative.

One operational transmission line links hydropower from Laos through Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore, while another project involving Indonesia and Philippines focuses on developing renewable and clean energy cooperation.

The ministers also discussed working with major energy-producing dialogue partners to explore possible mutual assistance during the crisis.

Another key area of cooperation is consular assistance for ASEAN nationals in distress in the Middle East. Sihasak noted that some ASEAN countries do not maintain embassies in certain locations, making mutual assistance essential. As an example, he said Singapore recently dispatched an aircraft to evacuate people from Riyadh and offered seats to nationals of other ASEAN countries.

Sihasak said the meeting demonstrated ASEAN’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies and reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to collective action.

While ASEAN may not be able to influence the course of events in the Middle East directly, he said the group will continue to call for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

“If the crisis continues for a prolonged period, the world could face serious economic impacts because supply chains and energy shipments are already being disrupted,” he said.

He added that ASEAN will strengthen regional cooperation to prepare for potential repercussions while continuing to advocate for peace and a rules-based international order.

Meanwhile, Ma Theresa Lazaro, foreign secretary of the Philippines, which holds this year’s ASEAN chairmanship, said in Manila that she hopes the Middle East conflict will be “the last crisis of this magnitude.”

The ASEAN foreign ministers expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East and its impacts on the region, emphasizing the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities.

As ASEAN has always maintained neutrality as one of its core values, Lazaro said the bloc “can only make statements” to encourage the parties involved in the conflict to seek peaceful solutions.

Lazaro said the foreign ministers agreed to continue monitoring the situation in the Middle East and to coordinate efforts to address its implications for ASEAN, particularly regarding energy supply chains.

She said they also discussed the adverse impacts of the conflict on global economic activity, particularly on energy markets and maritime transport routes.

They underscored the importance of maintaining stable, open and reliable global and regional energy supply chains and maritime trade routes.

“We stress the importance of utilising available mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of the crisis, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, in coordination with relevant sectoral bodies,” she said.