ASEAN Calls For Diplomatic Solution, Immediate Halt To Hostilities In West Asia

KUALA LUMPUR/ BANGKOK, March 13 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Foreign Ministers has called for diplomatic and peaceful solutions to address the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning of potential impact on energy prices, inflation and food security across the region.

The ministers, in a statement issued following a special meeting on the situation in West Asia held via videoconference on Friday, expressed serious concern over the conflict.

They called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise utmost self-restraint and avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, as well as to protect protect civilians and civilian infrastructures.

“The Meeting reaffirmed the obligation of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, in line with international law, including the United Nation (UN) Charter,” the Chair’s statement said.

The ministers also re-emphasised the shared commitment to provide emergency assistance to ASEAN nationals in the affected areas, in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration.

“We acknowledged the assistance and efforts made by our fellow ASEAN Member States in this regard. The Meeting also underlined the importance of exploring the possibility of mutually beneficial collaboration with external parties,” it said.

On the impact of the conflict to global economic activity, ASEAN foreign ministers underscored the importance of maintaining stable, open and reliable global energy supply chains and maritime trade routes, as well as minimising disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, including food, to safeguard economic stability in ASEAN.

 The ministers also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation on energy security and diversification, connectivity and economic resilience.

They called for full use of mechanisms and frameworks, including the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, to enhance consultation, information sharing and strengthen regional resilience.

Meanwhile in BANGKOK, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said ASEAN foreign ministers assessed the possible repercussions of the conflicts and plans to address the challenges through cooperation mechanisms, such as the APSA, which allows for voluntary oil sharing among member states in times of shortage.

“Each member country has taken measures to minimise the impact by reducing energy consumption in various ways. Perhaps we should consider how this framework can be better applied in situations like this,” he told reporters after the meeting.

“We also discussed the utilisation of the ASEAN power grid. One main power line runs from Laos to Thailand, then to Malaysia and Singapore. Laos can provide hydroelectricity to countries along the grid,” he said, adding that the grouping also seeks cooperation on clean energy with major oil-producing countries.

On assistance to ASEAN nationals, Sihasak said member states agreed in principle to provide cross-border protection and assistance for citizens of ASEAN countries in cases where some members do not have diplomatic missions in high-risk areas.

He cited an example in which Singapore arranged a charter flight to Saudi Arabia that also evacuated citizens from other ASEAN member states.

The meeting was proposed by Thailand and chaired by the Philippines as the current ASEAN Chairman.

-- BERNAMA