MANILA 13 April 2026 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, convened a virtual Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 13 April 2026  to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its implications for regional economic security and stability.

The convening follows the first Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held virtually on 13 March 2026, which was called in response to the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and expressed collective ASEAN concern over the escalating conflict.

Guided by the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating our Future, Together,” the Foreign Ministers took note of the recent announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, including the conditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz, as a welcome development that creates space for a diplomatic resolution. ASEAN Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their collective call for the exercise of utmost restraint by all parties and for a return to diplomatic dialogue and negotiation as the only durable path toward peace and stability in the region.

The Ministers also exchanged views on the broader regional implications of the crisis, particularly its impact on energy security and food security. In this regard, ASEAN committed to intensify coordination among relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, underscoring the importance of cross-pillar cooperation across the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural pillars of the ASEAN Community to mount an effective and comprehensive response.

In anticipation of the 48th ASEAN Summit, the meeting likewise considered proposals from ASEAN Member States on strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing regional consultation and information-sharing mechanisms, and ensuring stronger institutional follow-through.  The Foreign Ministers further discussed the potential establishment of a dedicated crisis communication protocol to enable timely, secure information-sharing, coordinated responses, harmonized public messaging, and reassurance for ASEAN peoples during major regional crises.

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN solidarity, economic integration, and policy coordination as indispensable tools in forging a collective regional response to challenges with cross-cutting implications. The Philippines also reiterated its commitment to convene the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026 in Cebu, where deliberations will focus on the three urgent priorities of energy security, food security, and the safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals. END