A regional bloc moved toward a coordinated response on the Middle East crisis as ASEAN member states worked in Cebu on a joint statement outlining collective action.
Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary and ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said ASEAN will release a unified statement detailing how the bloc plans to respond to the ongoing situation.
“The main purpose really here is for all the member states ASEAN to be able to come up with measures that will help us respond not only to the current situation but also to other future crisis,” Imperial said.
He said ASEAN does not expect major obstacles in finalizing the declaration, citing strong commitment from member states. He also said the statement will include an appeal directed at parties involved in the conflict.
The development unfolded as the Philippines chaired the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, where leaders and ministers discussed coordinated regional responses to the crisis.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said ASEAN must stay responsive to global challenges while maintaining long-term regional direction.
In her opening statement at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Lazaro said the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” reflects the need for unity amid uncertainty.
“Navigating uncertainty requires both agility in responding to immediate and pressing challenges and steadfast commitment in pursuing our long-term goals under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” Lazaro said.
She pointed to the effects of the Middle East conflict, including rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and risks faced by ASEAN nationals abroad.
Lazaro also said ASEAN foreign ministers held two special meetings to align responses and strengthen crisis readiness.
Foreign and economic ministers, in a joint session co-chaired by Lazaro and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, backed measures on energy security, food supply stability, and trade continuity.
They endorsed proposals to diversify energy sources, improve food monitoring systems, and strengthen intra-ASEAN supply chains, along with plans for a ministerial-level crisis communication protocol.
Photo courtesy of Asean
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