Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for stronger regional unity and cooperation as ASEAN leaders expressed concern over rising tensions in the Middle East.
In his opening remarks at the 48th ASEAN Summit plenary in Lapu-Lapu City, Marcos said the situation underscored the need for collective action as global instability continues to affect economies.
He cited concerns over recent escalations involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, noting that retaliatory actions had further widened instability in the region.
Marcos said the conflict had disrupted maritime and air routes and affected the movement of energy supplies and essential goods, adding pressure on global trade.
He stressed the importance of ASEAN centrality and solidarity, saying member states must pursue practical cooperation to address shared challenges.
The President also identified energy security as a key priority, saying the region should explore innovation, including the use of artificial intelligence, to improve forecasting and grid management while supporting clean energy transition.
He added that food security must also be strengthened, noting that disruptions in trade routes had already affected prices and supply chains, particularly in fertilizers and agricultural goods.
Marcos said ASEAN should enhance coordination on early warning systems and consular assistance for its nationals, as well as deepen maritime cooperation, including support for a proposed ASEAN Maritime Center.