Southeast Asian Leaders Address Iran Conflict at ASEAN Summit Meeting

Southeast Asian Leaders Meet to Address Energy Crisis

Leaders from 11 Southeast Asian countries have gathered in the Philippines for a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit aims to coordinate a joint response to the impact of the conflict in Iran on energy prices and supply in the region.

The meeting comes as a result of the war between the United States and Israel, which has led to a surge in energy costs across Southeast Asia. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr stated that the conflict has affected “higher living costs” and “threatened livelihoods” for citizens in both the Philippines and the Middle East.

ASEAN is expected to issue a joint statement calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran’s shutdown of the waterway. The bloc will also focus on improving crisis communication and coordination, as well as energy and food security.

The Philippines has pushed for ASEAN members to sign a voluntary energy-sharing agreement to address supply disruptions. The country has also proposed the establishment of an ASEAN power grid to integrate the region’s electricity networks by 2045.

Experts predict that ASEAN will push for more economic cooperation within the bloc and with “dialogue partners” in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific. A draft of the joint statement suggests that ASEAN will stress the importance of international law, national sovereignty, and freedom of navigation.

The meeting comes amid tensions over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, which is an important waterway for international trade. Military drills by China, the United States, and its allies in the region have highlighted the body’s flashpoint status.

ASEAN has faced criticism for its limited power and influence, but the summit provides an opportunity for member countries to discuss their concerns and work towards a collective solution.

Source: Al Jazeera