ASEAN Emphasises Importance of Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has emphasised the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, as well as upholding freedom of navigation in and over straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
According to an official statement by ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Jakarta on Monday, this also includes compliance with standards and practices recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), to ensure the safety and smooth operation of navigation.
“We call for the restoration of safe, unimpeded, and sustainable transit routes for ships and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS, and for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels in line with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),” the statement quoted.
ASEAN welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran announced on 8 April 2026, and urged the US and Iran to continue negotiations leading to a permanent end to the conflict in the region.
“We commend the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and all involved parties for their cooperation in this matter,” the statement said.
ASEAN called for a full and effective ceasefire to prevent loss of life, ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS, maintain the smooth flow and distribution of energy and essential goods, and minimise impacts on global economic stability.
ASEAN also urged all parties to maintain conducive conditions for the ceasefire by complying with provisions, exercising restraint, ceasing hostilities, acting responsibly, avoiding escalation, and cooperating to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable resolution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions.
Talks between Iran and the US mediated by Pakistan on Saturday (11/4) ended without agreement. Both sides left Islamabad with key differences unresolved and indicated that further diplomatic efforts would be needed.
The following day, the US military announced it would blockade all Iranian ports after peace negotiations between Iran and the US failed to reach an agreement.
The announcement by US Central Command came hours after US President Donald Trump stated that the US Navy would begin the process of closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, on 7 April 2026, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore was not involved in negotiations with Iran for safe shipping lanes or Strait of Hormuz toll negotiations, as doing so would undermine the principles of international law of the sea, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
It is known that all ASEAN member states—Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste—have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It is also known that to date, Iran and the United States have not ratified UNCLOS.