ASEAN Welcomes US–Iran Ceasefire, Urges Stability In Strait Of Hormuz

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- ASEAN leaders have called for the restoration of safe and uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while urging the United States (US) and Iran to fully implement their ceasefire agreement and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in West Asia.

In the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the West Asia Crisis, adopted at the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday, the bloc welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, which was mediated by Pakistan with support from other concerned parties.

ASEAN leaders urged all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire by exercising utmost restraint, ceasing all hostilities, and avoiding acts that may aggravate the situation.

The leaders stressed the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity, while promoting dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts and tensions in West Asia.

The bloc expressed deep concern over any discriminatory or unilateral measures that may impede or obstruct vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz or other international waterways.

The statement called for the restoration of safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit of vessels and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while also urging all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships.

ASEAN leaders acknowledged that the conflict in Western Asia has affected global and regional economic activities, particularly energy markets as well as maritime and air transport routes.

They underscored the importance of maintaining stable, open, and reliable global energy supply chains and maritime trade routes, while preserving the uninterrupted flow of essential goods, including food, fuel, and pharmaceutical products.

The grouping also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open and secure sea lanes, ensuring freedom of navigation, and minimising disruptions to regional trade and supply chains.

-- BERNAMA