ASEAN urges US, Iran to push for permanent resolution

MANILA: ASEAN ​foreign ministers called on ​Monday for the United States 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. — Reuters