Manila: The member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are looking to establish a more coordinated approach in mitigating the impact of the Middle East crisis on the region, especially on trade, energy, and food security.
According to Philippines News Agency, at the recent 2nd special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, held virtually on April 13, participating top diplomats agreed to strengthen cooperation while emphasizing the urgent need to minimize disruptions to intra-ASEAN trade and the inflow of investments, and strengthen supply chain connectivity.
The meeting encouraged all ASEAN member states to ensure the "timely reliable, and secure access" to essential goods, raw materials, and energy supplies; and to refrain from 'unnecessary trade restrictions.'
On energy, the foreign ministers called for the 'full use' of existing ASEAN mechanisms such as the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP).
The officials also pushed for efforts to diversify energy sources, including renewable and alternative energy, as well as 'prioritizing energy supply to fellow ASEAN Member States in times of crisis.'
On food security, the meeting called to reinforce alternate shipping and logistics routes to allow the unimpeded flow of essential goods, especially food, food products, and agricultural inputs, across Southeast Asia.
The ministers also raised the need to explore, where feasible, other possible joint approaches to secure essential commodities and critical agricultural inputs, as well as a 'regional standby arrangement' for food security.
In a statement issued on April 13 and released on Tuesday, the ASEAN Chair, which is the Philippines for this year, said the foreign ministers will explore a more dedicated foreign ministers-level 'crisis communication protocol' to allow secure information sharing and coordinated ASEAN response during major crises.
