ASEAN Chair’s Statement on the Outcomes of the Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East

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The ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened a second Special Meeting on 13 April 2026, via videoconference, to exchange views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and to address its various implications for ASEAN, including on energy, food security, and safety of ASEAN nationals. The Meeting also sought to follow up on the outcomes of their Special Meeting on 13 March 2026, as well as to discuss the possible ways forward, ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026.
The Meeting welcomed the announcement on 8 April 2026 of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed hope for its full and effective implementation, and urged both parties to continue down the path of diplomacy and dialogue and redouble efforts in negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region. In this regard, the Meeting noted that the ceasefire could help ease disruption to maritime and air transport routes and reduce related costs and delays, especially for merchant and non-combatant vessels.