On 13 March 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East via videoconference. The Meeting was convened at Thailand’s proposal and chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines in her capacity as the ASEAN Chair.

The meeting exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and its potential implications for the ASEAN region, and discussed possible collective responses to the impacts, including short-term measures and long-term resilience to address challenges from future crises. The Ministers noted that the situation in the Middle East remains highly tense and uncertain, and reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the principles of international law, particularly the freedom of overflight and navigation. They also called for an immediate cessation of violence and the resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.

The meeting discussed the multidimensional impacts of the situation in the Middle East on ASEAN, particularly from disruptions to maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz, which have directly affected global energy supply chains and may lead to economic and energy crises in the future. Thailand proposed measures using the existing mechanisms, including (1) strengthening cooperation on consular assistance through enhanced coordination among ASEAN Embassies to enhance preparedness in protection and evacuation of ASEAN nationals in crisis situations; (2) enhancing practical implementation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security to cushion the impact of energy shocks; and (3) accelerating the transition to renewable and alternative energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.