ASEAN foreign and economic ministers convened a high-level meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten energy and food security across Southeast Asia.
Joint Meeting Addresses Urgent Concerns
During the Joint ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the uncertainty in the Middle East is affecting millions of people in the region.
“We urge all parties in the Middle East to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region,” Lazaro said, recalling an ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ statement issued on April 13.
Lazaro said the prolonged conflict has blurred political and economic concerns and is now increasingly affecting the lives of millions across ASEAN. She added that energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals have become the region’s most urgent concerns.
Philippines Declares Energy Emergency
Lazaro also informed delegates of the Philippines’ declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency, which prompted the national government to recalibrate its ASEAN chairmanship through austerity measures amid uncertain fuel supply and rising inflation.
She said the 48th ASEAN Summit, which opens on Friday, May 8, will focus on urgent regional priorities, including energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals.
“With this in mind, we will look to issue at the summit an ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the response to the Middle East, which expresses not just a unified position, but also the foundation for our response to future crises,” she said.
Lazaro said the Philippines is ready to work closely with ASEAN member states and the secretariat in pursuing “decisive actions and concrete measures” to address immediate challenges facing the region.
Economic Ministers Report 'Productive' Session
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque said economic ministers had a “productive session” before meeting with foreign ministers.
“Developments in the Middle East have shown how quickly external shocks can reshape our region,” Roque said.
“What began as a distant crisis is now affecting energy prices, supply chains and economic conditions across ASEAN,” she added.
Roque said the effects are already being felt across the region, with higher fuel and food prices straining households and businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises.
“These are not isolated effects. These are reminders that our economies and our vulnerabilities are closely linked. This is precisely why this joint meeting matters,” said Roque.
