Singapore - Malaysia Discuss Middle East Conflict, Highlight Oil Risks and ASEAN Stability

JAKARTA - Singapore Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong and Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim discussed the impact of the Middle East conflict which began to pressure oil supplies and the region's economy. The Straits Times quoted Thursday, March 26 reported, the two agreed to maintain regional stability amid the growing risk of escalation.

The talks took place on March 25, at a time when global energy supply disruptions were felt. In a Facebook post on March 26, PM Wong said he and PM Anwar exchanged views on the threat of escalation, its impact on world oil supplies, and the steps that could be taken to protect people's livelihoods and maintain regional stability, both bilaterally and through ASEAN.

The conversation took place shortly after Wong arrived in China to attend the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan. Wong also stressed that Singapore and Malaysia would continue to work closely together on issues important to the two neighboring countries.

The concern is not without reason. On February 28, the United States and Israel attacked Iran and killed a number of the country's important leaders, including Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attack was retaliated by Tehran in the Gulf region.

The war has all but halted shipments of about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran closed part of the waterway. The impact is being felt immediately on global energy supplies.

PM Anwar, in a separate post on Facebook, said he and Wong both expressed deep concern over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the continued attacks on critical infrastructure. According to Anwar Ibrahim, the situation risks disrupting the world oil market and weakening regional energy security.

Anwar emphasized that he and Wong agreed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Malaysia, said Anwar Ibrahim, also supports the United Nations' call for an immediate ceasefire and is ready to support efforts to reduce tensions and restore peace, justice, and stability.