ASEAN Foreign Ministers to Discuss Regional Geopolitics, Food Security, and Energy Cooperation

The upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Manila is set to tackle a range of critical issues, with a significant focus on regional and international geopolitical tensions. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted that discussions will encompass the ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, as well as the persistent violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, which has now extended to southern Lebanon.

Despite these conflicts occurring outside the immediate ASEAN region, their repercussions are felt by member states, necessitating a unified stance from the bloc. "We need to take a position because the world is currently turbulent. Even though the war is far away, its effects are significant for our countries," Mohamad stated.

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We need to take a position because the world is currently turbulent. Even though the war is far away, its effects are significant for our countries.

The meeting, running from July 21-24, coincides with the AMM and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Beyond geopolitical concerns, the ministers will also focus on bolstering ASEAN's food security. Mohamad emphasized the need for an ASEAN food security policy to ensure stable rice supplies, a staple for the region's population, and to foster complementary strengths among member states rather than internal competition.

Furthermore, the AMM will explore enhancing energy cooperation via the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). Countries with substantial electricity generation capacities, such as Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, are seen as potential suppliers to nations like Malaysia and Singapore, promoting regional energy interdependence.

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ASEAN is a large bloc, and each country has its own advantages. We will use those strengths so we do not compete with each other.