Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Monday called on the United States and Iran to continue negotiations towards a permanent end to their conflict and to fully implement the ceasefire.

The ministers, who met virtually to discuss the war in the Middle East, also urged the restoration of safe, unimpeded and continuous passage for vessels and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional Concerns Over Energy and Food Security

Beyond immediate security concerns, ASEAN highlighted the broader impact of the conflict on regional stability, particularly on energy and food supplies.

Ministers stressed the importance of ensuring energy access for member states during times of crisis.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a regional mechanism linking ASEAN members with China, Japan and South Korea to prevent and respond to food shortages, price shocks and supply disruptions.

Crisis Coordination and Next Steps

Ma. Theresa Lazaro said ministers also discussed joint approaches to securing fertiliser and other critical agricultural inputs.

They explored the possibility of establishing an ASEAN foreign ministers’ crisis communications protocol that could be activated rapidly, she added.

As ASEAN chair, the Philippines is committed to proceeding with the leaders’ summit in May, which will focus on food and energy security as well as the safety of its nationals.

(with inputs from Reuters)