Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Monday led the Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, where regional leaders welcomed a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran and pushed for stronger cooperation to address emerging economic and security risks.
Lazaro, serving as ASEAN Chair, said the bloc is closely monitoring the “rapidly evolving situation” and its implications on energy, food security, and the safety of nationals across member states.
“We welcomed the announcement on 8 April 2026 of a temporary ceasefire… and urged both parties to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region,” Lazaro stated.
The virtual meeting gathered foreign ministers and senior officials from ASEAN member states, who agreed to intensify coordination mechanisms to mitigate the impact of the Middle East tensions.
ASEAN emphasized strengthening energy security through existing frameworks such as the ASEAN Power Grid and Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, while also advancing alternative energy sources. “We agreed to continue strengthening our cooperation and work more closely to respond more rapidly to the challenges impacting ASEAN,” Lazaro said.
On food security, member states committed to boosting intra-regional trade, ensuring open supply chains, and supporting mechanisms like the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve to cushion supply disruptions and price volatility.
The ministers also discussed establishing a crisis communication protocol to enable faster coordination during major geopolitical shocks, alongside plans for urgent sectoral meetings on energy ahead of the ASEAN Summit.
Lazaro underscored the importance of protecting ASEAN nationals affected by the conflict, expressing condolences for lives lost and calling for enhanced consular cooperation. She also stressed the need to ensure maritime safety in line with international conventions.
The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to host the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu this May, where leaders are expected to prioritize energy security, food stability, and the protection of citizens amid global uncertainties.
