Manila: The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will convene a special meeting to discuss the bloc's response as the Middle East conflict approaches its second week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for ASEAN 2026, Dax Imperial, said on Thursday that the ministers will hold the discussions via video conference on March 13. "It will cover ASEAN's response to the situation in the Middle East. More details will be available tomorrow after the meeting," he stated in a text message to reporters. After the meeting, a statement will be issued by the ministers.
The conflict in the Middle East broke out on Feb. 28 following a joint military operation mounted by the United States and Israel against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, which later resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes that have since expanded to target US bases in neighboring Gulf states like Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, in a previous press briefing on the sidelines of the 2026 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meetings, stated that the bloc is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, which is host to more than a million Southeast Asian workers. Dumlao added that the Philippines stands ready to assist not only Filipinos but also Southeast Asians 'as may be necessary.'
