Asean foreign ministers have agreed to deepen cooperation with external partners, particularly Gulf states, to bolster regional energy security and reinforce the global rules-based order amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The discussions took place during the 48th Asean Summit and related meetings held in Cebu, the Philippines, yesterday.
The Asean Ministerial Meeting brings together 11 foreign ministers to address pressing regional issues, including the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on energy supplies.
Following the session, a high-level source said member states recognised the need to expand engagement with external partners, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to safeguard energy security.
The source noted that Asean economies remain heavily dependent on energy imports from the Gulf region, making stability in those relationships increasingly critical as global disruptions intensify.
"Asean members agreed to encourage deeper engagement with Gulf states to strengthen regional security and expand cooperation in multiple sectors," said the source.
Several member states had already begun strengthening ties with GCC countries. The source cited Thailand's ongoing engagement with Oman as an example of continued energy cooperation despite broader regional tensions.
Asean's outreach to Gulf partners reflects a broader effort to uphold the rules-based international order, while Gulf states are similarly seeking to diversify partnerships beyond their immediate region, said the source.
Asean members agreed to strengthen cooperation with dialogue partners, including the European Union and the United States, with plans for an Asean-EU Summit and a special Asean-US meeting next year to enhance strategic coordination.
However, the source said talks were underway on a possible pause in admitting new members to the Asean Regional Forum, following the recent inclusion of the UK.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said Asean's heavy reliance on imported energy, more than 50% of its crude oil needs, made the region vulnerable to global shocks.
