Foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in the Philippines on Thursday ahead of the bloc’s highly-anticipated main summit. The meeting is urgent due to the severe energy shortage facing the region as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues.

Strategic Discussions on Regional Energy and Security

The preliminary talks were presided by Maria Theresa Lazaro of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. Chaired by the Government of the Philippines, the leadership stressed the need for a concerted response to these growing geopolitical challenges.

The ministers emphasized many strategic regional issues during the session. One of the main concerns was the current global energy crisis which has been heavily affected by the Middle East situation. The energy security and supply chain disruptions have compelled the region to make a serious re-thinking of its energy security and related supply chains, as highlighted by global energy watchdogs such as the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Summit Agenda and Economic Resilience

These foundational talks will be built on throughout the main summit on Friday. Leaders are getting ready to discuss the overall diplomatic and economic consequences of the international conflict, including the foreign policy changes tracked by U.S. Department of State.

On Friday’s agenda, there is a critical thing, it is basically making sure the continued safety of ASEAN nationals who are currently residing or working in the Middle East. Also, the bloc intends to craft a more collective, doable response to the ongoing energy disruptions, while at the same time strengthening the region’s overall economic resilience, to stay firm against future global shocks.