ASEAN foreign ministers held emergency talks on April 13 to address the worsening Middle East conflict and its potential impact on energy supplies and food security across the region. Thailand warned that ASEAN must prepare for wider economic disruption as global uncertainty deepens. The meeting, chaired by the Philippines as ASEAN chair, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow via videoconference.

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Ministers reviewed recent developments in the Middle East, including the ceasefire and negotiations between the United States and Iran. They urged all parties to continue diplomatic efforts towards a lasting settlement. The discussion also highlighted concerns over maritime security, particularly the safety of seafarers and civilians affected by the conflict.

The talks stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in key international routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor. ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. These measures were seen as essential to safeguarding trade flows and regional stability.

On energy security, ministers discussed accelerating the ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement. They also emphasised strengthening regional infrastructure through the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline. Increased investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power and biofuels, was identified as a priority to support long-term resilience.

Food security was another key focus, with discussions centred on expanding the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve mechanism. Ministers proposed extending the scheme to cover additional essential food commodities and improving cooperation across the entire food production chain. These steps aim to mitigate supply disruptions and price volatility linked to the conflict.

The Nation reported that the meeting underscored ASEAN’s intention to move beyond diplomatic concern towards practical contingency planning. Governments across the region are preparing for the broader economic impact of a prolonged Middle East crisis. Further coordination and policy measures are expected as the situation evolves.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 15 Apr 2026

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Thai food security? Got to be kidding. Sub tropical country running out of staple crops? Who's zooming who?

2 hours ago, Shwaman said:

Thai food security? Got to be kidding. Sub tropical country running out of staple crops? Who's zooming who?

Fertilisers, or lack of, may be the issue. It's certainly a concern in Australia.

Has anyone considered shifting back to the old historical (safe?) sailing route via the Cape as opposed to sitting idle in a potentially lethal location of the Persian Gulf?

I realise that the tankers must take on oil cargo from those producing ME states first and then double back to track via the Cape of Good Hope and then across the Indian Ocean to the urgently awaiting destinations.

Maybe logistically it's just too long and too expensive to do this, but as oil hits record highs per barrel, tankers sitting idle, many countries suffering and no resolution in sight in the near future.....is it not worth a try?

2 hours ago, Shwaman said:

Thai food security? Got to be kidding. Sub tropical country running out of staple crops? Who's zooming who?

I think Thailand is defined as a Tropical country as opposed to subtropical, but your point is still valid.

(Hong Kong is Subtropical)

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The talks stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in key international routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor.

But of course no mention of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The talks stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in key international routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor. ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

So, nothing about spending any money sending craft to sweep for mines or to provide logistic support for the vessels that are sweeping for mines or... or...

3 hours ago, orchidfan said:

Has anyone considered shifting back to the old historical (safe?) sailing route via the Cape as opposed to sitting idle in a potentially lethal location of the Persian Gulf?

I realise that the tankers must take on oil cargo from those producing ME states first and then double back to track via the Cape of Good Hope and then across the Indian Ocean to the urgently awaiting destinations.

Maybe logistically it's just too long and too expensive to do this, but as oil hits record highs per barrel, tankers sitting idle, many countries suffering and no resolution in sight in the near future.....is it not worth a try?

I think that the problem is that countries like Iraq, Kuwait and UAE cannot export their oil without using the Strait of Hormuz. I believe that Saudi Arabia's oil industry is set up to use the Strait as well.

5 hours ago, loong said:

I think that the problem is that countries like Iraq, Kuwait and UAE cannot export their oil without using the Strait of Hormuz. I believe that Saudi Arabia's oil industry is set up to use the Strait as well.

Agreed

I was thinking that there eere routes/pipelines in place to move oil to Red Sea ports then out vis the Suez to avoid the other "controlled " choke point there into the Indian Ocean.

I think that these are still mainly just proposals or partly completed.

I think the oil rich Arab countries certainly have the $$$ to build them....canals or pipelines!