ASEAN Leaders Prioritise Food Security and Energy Resilience

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have underlined energy security, food resilience, and the safety of ASEAN citizens in various parts of the world at the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, as stated by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta on Monday (11/5).

Speaking at the ASEAN Secretariat, Kao highlighted the key outcomes from the summit, which concluded in the Philippines on Friday (8/5).

Regarding energy security, Kao said that regional leaders called for maintaining stable and reliable supply chains and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

Kao revealed that ASEAN leaders urged the acceleration of ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement. They also emphasised the operationalisation of the ASEAN Power Grid to facilitate cross-border electricity trade and ensure affordable energy access in the 11 member states of the bloc.

On food resilience, Kao said that ASEAN leaders called for open and predictable markets, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and more effective monitoring of regional food reserves.

Kao stated that ASEAN leaders issued a statement on the Middle East crisis outlining steps to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience in energy, food, finance, supply chains, and the protection of citizens abroad.