Cebu, May 8 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on May 8,2026 underscored the unity, urgency, and collective resolve of all Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in responding to the conflict in the Middle East.
In his opening statement before the 48th ASEAN Summit Plenary at Mactan Expo in Cebu, Marcos thanked fellow leaders for “answering the call” to gather at a critical moment as he noted heightened geopolitical tensions caused by the conflict in the Gulf nations.
“Today, we gather to confront, with unity and resolve, the repercussions of the situation in the Middle East, and seek to advance our common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity while ensuring that the benefits of our cooperation are felt by all our peoples,” Marcos said.
The Philippine Chief Executive said the conflict has already caused profound consequences across Southeast Asia, affecting economies, livelihoods, energy supplies, food security, and the welfare of ASEAN nationals abroad.
Marcos noted that the conflict has disrupted maritime and air transport routes, heightened risks to merchant and civilian vessels and aircraft, and affected the global flow of energy and essential goods.
The President reaffirmed ASEAN’s longstanding commitment to peace, and emphasized the shared positions of ASEAN Member States, including the immediate cessation of hostilities, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the restoration of safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is in this spirit that we gather today to pursue concrete outcomes and forge a collective path,” President Marcos said, identifying three urgent and interrelated priorities for ASEAN action: strengthening energy security, stabilizing food security, and protecting ASEAN nationals abroad.
On energy security, President Marcos called for stronger regional coordination and preparedness to safeguard stable energy supplies and improve interconnectivity amid heightened global volatility.
The President also urged ASEAN to accelerate the development of alternative and renewable energy sources to shield regional economies from future shocks and address climate change.
The President highlighted the role of innovation and responsible applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving energy forecasting, strengthening grid management, and supporting the clean energy transition.
Addressing food security concerns, President Marcos noted that disruptions linked to instability in the Strait of Hormuz have already affected food prices and fertilizer supplies across the region.
“Our task is to ensure that ASEAN remains responsive, to strengthen and expand intra-ASEAN trade, and build the capacities to safeguard and fortify our food systems across the region,” the President said.
Marcos added that digital innovation could help ASEAN anticipate shortages, improve agricultural productivity, and support responsive decision-making to better protect vulnerable communities.
Marcos also emphasized the importance of safeguarding ASEAN nationals affected by the crisis, stressing that regional solidarity must be reflected through coordinated action to protect citizens wherever they may be.
“This means strengthening early warning systems, enhancing consular coordination, and ensuring the timely delivery of assistance,” he said, while also encouraging the prudent use of new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve crisis response efforts anchored in human judgment and international law.
Reaffirming the Philippines’ leadership as ASEAN Chair, President Marcos said the country remains committed to steering the region through uncertain times under its Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“As we push forward the first year of the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, we are reminded that our region is strongest when we turn shared challenges, however daunting they may be, into shared purpose,” the President said.
Marcos also underscored the importance of maritime cooperation, and expressed support for the proposed ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, including the Philippine proposal to establish an ASEAN Maritime Centre to strengthen regional maritime coordination.
The President also took the opportunity to congratulate several ASEAN leaders on their recent electoral victories.
Marcos welcomed Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng on his election as Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and warmly welcomed him to the ASEAN Summit.
The President likewise extended his congratulations to Sonexay Siphandone on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Marcos also congratulated Anutin Charnvirakul on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.
