ASEAN has called for the restoration of safe, unimpeded transit through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing deep concern over the impact of the Middle East conflict on regional security and economic stability during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila.

In a joint communiqué issued on Thursday, ASEAN foreign ministers urged all parties to ensure the safety of vessels and seafarers in line with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The bloc warned that prolonged instability has disrupted energy markets, trade, supply chains and fertilizer imports, posing growing challenges for the Asia-Pacific region.

According to ASEAN News Network (ANN), the conflict in the Middle East remained a dominant issue throughout this week's ministerial meetings, alongside tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, underscoring ASEAN's increasingly complex regional security agenda.

During the meetings, ministers also discussed strengthening regional cooperation on food security and advancing the ASEAN Power Grid to mitigate the conflict's economic impacts. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono called for revitalizing ASEAN-led security mechanisms, urging the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to move beyond dialogue and adopt more proactive conflict-prevention measures. He also reiterated Indonesia's support for a durable ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access and a two-state solution for Palestine.

The ministerial meetings conclude ahead of the ASEAN Leaders' Summit in November, where regional leaders are expected to outline the bloc's strategic priorities for the years ahead.

BOB Post