ASEAN Leaders Urge Unity as Middle East Tensions Disrupt Region

CEBU, Philippines, May 8, 2026 (KPT) — Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called Friday for greater solidarity and cooperation as mounting tensions in the Middle East disrupt energy supplies, trade and the livelihoods of millions across Southeast Asia.

Opening the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that the region faced growing uncertainty as the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route — intensified economic and security pressures.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, we call for collective action, and it has never been more urgent,” Marcos told leaders during the plenary session.

The two day summit, hosted under Manila’s 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, focused on energy security, food stability and the safety of ASEAN nationals overseas, as member states grapple with rising fuel prices, inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet joined fellow leaders in reaffirming ASEAN’s consensus based approach to decision making, while officials discussed ways to strengthen resilience against geopolitical shocks.

The agenda also included the political crisis in Myanmar and support for Timor Leste’s full integration into ASEAN following its admission process launched at last year’s summit in Malaysia.