ASEAN Warns of Middle East Fallout

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa ‘Tess’ Lazaro warned on Thursday that the Middle East crisis is having worsening consequences for ASEAN countries, speaking at the bloc’s foreign ministers’ meeting in Cebu.

“The ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its far-reaching repercussions, including the disruptions to energy flows, trade routes, food supply chains, and the welfare of our nationals, remind us that developments beyond our region can have immediate and profound effects on ASEAN,” she said.

“For ASEAN, which imports about 66 per cent of its crude oil, this crisis meant a significant increase in fuel and energy costs, which eventually led to higher prices for agricultural inputs, food, and basic commodities. The crisis also caused disruptions in some sectors, including transportation and tourism, and put at risk millions of ASEAN nationals in the Middle East,” Lazaro continued.

Economic Ministers Discuss Energy Challenges

The deepening energy crisis was also discussed at the 27th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting, attended by economic ministers, senior officials and representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states.