ASEAN calls for efforts to end conflict and reopen Strait of Hormuz

Cebu (ANTARA) - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines stated that leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states have called for an end to hostilities in the Middle East, emphasising that peace remains the primary step to resolve the ongoing escalating conflicts. “Peace. Peace. As simple as that. Peace,” Marcos said during a press conference following the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, in response to questions about ASEAN’s hopes regarding the Middle East conflict. Marcos noted that ASEAN foreign ministers had previously issued a statement urging all parties to cease hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and pursue long-term diplomatic solutions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conflict, stating that ASEAN remains concerned about the possibility of renewed fighting despite ceasefire efforts. “We are now in an uncertain situation, where we do not know how long this will last. We do not know when the next clash will occur. This is a very difficult situation. So again, until the fighting ends, until the bombings stop, it will be very difficult to formulate any solution. That is why the main call is for peace now,” Marcos emphasised. The statement urges the involved parties to exercise restraint, avoid actions that could worsen tensions, and continue negotiations towards a sustainable peaceful resolution. ASEAN leaders also reaffirmed the importance of keeping international shipping lanes safe and unobstructed, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, amid disruptions affecting global energy and trade flows.