Asean foreign ministers urge US and Iran to push for permanent resolution

MANILA — Asean foreign ministers called on Monday (April 13) for the US and Iran to continue negotiating a permanent end to their conflict, and to implement the ceasefire fully and effectively.

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

Beyond immediate security concerns, Asean highlighted the broader implications of the conflict on regional stability, especially on energy and food supplies.

The ministers of the 11-member bloc stressed the need to prioritise energy access for member states during crises.

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

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma Theresa Lazaro said at a press conference that the ministers also discussed joint approaches to securing fertiliser and other critical agriculture inputs.

They also explored the possibility of establishing an Asean foreign ministers' crisis communications protocol that could be convened rapidly, Lazaro said.

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, she added.

In his remarks at the meeting, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan urged his counterparts to ratify the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement.

"Once this enters into force, our officials can carry out the procedures under the coordinated emergency response measures and to operationalise this agreement," he said.

The agreement is designed to enhance energy security by facilitating the sharing of crude oil and petroleum products among members during emergency shortages. 

Singapore is the fifth-largest refinery and export hub in the world, and among the top 10 exporters of petrochemicals.

Dr Balakrishnan also urged Asean member states to accelerate their focus on long-term resilience, such as the Asean power grid.

Additional reporting by AsiaOne.

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