Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday, April 13, urged sustained diplomacy and restraint following recent developments in the Middle East, while welcoming a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Tess Lazaro, in an online press conference, shared key discussion points during the Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, “centering on issues of energy, food security, and the safety of nationals,” among others.

Lazaro said ASEAN ministers are calling for the “full and effective implementation of the two-week ceasefire,” as they outlined several measures to address existing and emerging needs related to the Middle East crisis.

A joint statement released by ASEAN member states acknowledged the two-week ceasefire announced on April 8, describing it as a crucial step toward de-escalation in a region facing heightened geopolitical tensions.

ASEAN emphasized the need to maintain maritime safety and security, particularly in key global shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz—a critical corridor through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

The bloc reiterated the importance of upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight.

Foreign ministers also called for the restoration of safe, unimpeded transit for vessels and aircraft, warning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact global energy flows, oil prices, and economic stability.

They further underscored compliance with international safety frameworks such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, alongside standards set by the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

ASEAN urged both Washington and Tehran to pursue continued negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent resolution to the conflict.

The group also commended mediation and diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and other stakeholders involved in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

“The full and effective implementation of the ceasefire is essential to prevent further loss of life and to ensure regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

The regional bloc called on all parties to strictly adhere to the ceasefire terms, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

ASEAN stressed the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure in conflict zones, as well as ensuring the safety of humanitarian personnel and peacekeepers under international law and the United Nations Charter.

Reaffirming its longstanding position, ASEAN highlighted diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means of resolving conflicts in the Middle East.

The group also reiterated the obligation of all states to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity and to pursue peaceful solutions in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The statement concluded with a call for a comprehensive and enduring resolution, warning that prolonged instability could disrupt global trade, energy supply chains, and broader economic recovery.

“We underscore the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity, upholding international law, and promoting earnest dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of addressing conflicts and tensions, including the need for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East,” the statement read. 

This year, the DFA is at the center of ASEAN diplomacy as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair.

The DFA leads the country’s foreign policy execution, coordination, and hosting of all ASEAN-related engagements.