By Joyce Ann Rocamora
MANILA – The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are looking to accelerate energy connectivity within the region by operationalizing the bloc’s proposed power grid, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Sunday.
The ASEAN power grid had been in the works for years but Lazaro said leaders want to “hasten and follow up” its progress amid the impacts of the Middle East crisis.
Ten ASEAN leaders, and a senior official of Myanmar, met in Manila for the 49th ASEAN Summit Plenary and Retreat.
Beyond the grid, Lazaro said the leaders also encouraged the full implementation of the ASEAN Framework on Petroleum Security, which is seen to complement other existing power grids among the ASEAN member states.
At the retreat itself, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said these regional initiatives will provide a strong foundation for “greater resilience on the ground.” (PNA)
