ASEAN Emphasizes the Importance of Maintaining Maritime Security, Freedom of Navigation

ILLUSTRATION/ASEAN ministers/DOK ANTARA HO

JAKARTA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emphasizes the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, as well as upholding freedom of navigation in and over the strait used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

According to an official statement by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Jakarta, Monday, it also includes compliance with standards and practices recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to ensure safety and smooth navigation.

"We call for the restoration of safe, unimpeded and sustainable transit routes for ships and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with UNCLOS 1982, as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of sailors and ships in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)," the statement quoted.

ASEAN welcomes the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran announced on April 8, 2026, and urges the US and Iran to continue negotiations leading to a permanent end to the conflict in the region.

"We commend the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and all parties involved for their cooperation in this regard," the statement said.

ASEAN calls for a full and effective ceasefire to prevent casualties, ensure maritime security as well as freedom of navigation and flight in accordance with UNCLOS 1982, maintain the smooth and distribution of energy and essential goods, and minimize the impact on global economic stability.

ASEAN also urges all parties to maintain a conducive environment for a ceasefire by complying with the provisions, refraining from hostilities, acting responsibly, avoiding escalation, and cooperating to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable settlement in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions.

Talks between Iran and the US mediated by Pakistan on Saturday (11/4) ended without an agreement. Both parties left Islamabad with major differences unresolved and hinted that further diplomatic efforts would be needed.

The next day, the US military announced that they would block all Iranian ports after peace talks between Iran and the US failed to reach an agreement.

The announcement by US Central Command came hours after US President Donald Trump said the US navy would begin the process of closing the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, on April 7, 2026, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore was not involved in negotiations with Iran for a safe ship lane or negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz toll rate because doing so would undermine the principle of international maritime law, especially UNCLOS 1982.

It is known that all ASEAN member countries; Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It is also known that until now, Iran and the United States have not ratified UNCLOS.