LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday pressed for deeper maritime cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, citing growing global tensions and disruptions to key international shipping lanes.
Opening the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Plenary at the Mactan Expo Center, Marcos said regional unity is critical to maintaining stability, especially as conflicts in the Middle East continue to affect global movement of goods and energy.
He noted that escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have strained major transport routes, including the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a major passage for global oil shipments.
“These developments have disrupted maritime and air transport routes, heightened risks to merchant and non-combatant vessels and aircraft, and affected the flow of energy and essential goods,” Marcos said.
Against this backdrop, the President emphasized the need for ASEAN to enhance coordination in maritime security and cooperation to protect economic stability and regional peace.
Marcos said member-states are expected to adopt the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, which includes the Philippines’ proposal to establish an ASEAN Maritime Center. The proposed facility would support coordination and joint efforts among ASEAN countries on maritime concerns.
“As we push forward the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, we recognize the importance of maritime cooperation,” he said.
The Philippines has been consistently advocating for stronger regional collaboration on maritime issues amid rising security challenges and vulnerabilities in global sea lanes.
“Navigating Our Future Together is not only our Chairship theme, but also the task that lies ahead of us,” Marcos added.
He also reiterated ASEAN’s call for peaceful dispute resolution, protection of civilians, and the restoration of safe and uninterrupted passage through critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The summit brought together leaders of ASEAN’s 11 member states.
ia/xf
