JAKARTA - As the chair of ASEAN this year, the Philippines calls on ASEAN countries to increase solidarity and cooperation in the maritime sector, especially in the midst of geopolitical crises that have an impact on the region.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. while opening the 48th ASEAN Summit (Summit) said the conflict in the Middle East between the United States-Israel and Iran has a major impact on maritime shipping.
"This dynamic has disrupted maritime shipping and air transport, increased risks for merchant ships and non-combatant ships, and impacted energy supplies and essential commodities," Marcos said, as broadcast via YouTube ASEAN 2026 reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 8.
He said the tension resulted in an increase in the cost of living and disruption of the supply of goods which put economic pressure and threatened the livelihoods of people in Southeast Asia, both in their homelands and in the Middle East.
However, this dynamic is also a reminder of the increasing importance of maintaining ASEAN's centrality and solidarity in facing common challenges through collective action.
Marcos emphasized the importance of ASEAN countries increasing their cooperation in the maritime sector. The Philippines will also ensure that this commitment really becomes concrete action in the region during its presidency of ASEAN this year, he said.
"Therefore, we recognize the importance of maritime cooperation and hope that the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Maritime Cooperation will be adopted," said Marcos.
He said the declaration would include the Philippines' proposal regarding the establishment of the ASEAN Maritime Center.
The institution, said the Philippine President, will be an important platform for maritime cooperation in coordination with other relevant ASEAN bodies through ASEAN-led mechanisms.
The 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings were officially opened on Friday afternoon by President Marcos in Cebu, Philippines.
Under the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN with the theme "Navigating Our Future Together", this Summit will focus on discussing a joint response to the situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on the region.
Prior to the ASEAN Summit, a series of ministerial-level meetings were held on Thursday, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC).
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