Philippines President says ASEAN summit will focus on MidEast war

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MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has confirmed that the upcoming ASEAN Summit in May will proceed as a streamlined, ‘bare-bones’ event. Following consultations with regional leaders, the 11-member bloc agreed that the Middle East war makes coordination more urgent than ever. Marcos noted that ‘it is precisely now that we must coordinate our efforts’ to address the severe economic shocks affecting Southeast Asia.

The summit in Cebu will focus on three priority areas: fuel supplies, food prices, and the welfare of migrant workers. To cut costs and realign funds toward crisis relief, the government has moved 650 preparatory meetings online. This strategic shift follows the Philippines' declaration of a ‘national energy emergency’ as the conflict continues to threaten vital petroleum imports and global trade routes.

Marcos emphasised that the shortened gathering is essential to determine ‘how can we help each other’ during this period of instability. While ceremonial activities are being scaled back, the President insisted that the bloc must maintain a unified position on the ‘shocks that are coming our way.’ By focusing on essential survival issues, ASEAN aims to protect its regional economy from the ongoing geopolitical turmoil.

Photo Credits: AFP