Cebu: The 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings scheduled for May in Cebu will focus on key issues such as energy security, stable food supply, and the protection of Southeast Asians abroad amidst the ongoing Middle East crisis, as announced by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Lazaro confirmed that the Philippines is prepared to host the high-level meeting, which will convene leaders and senior officials from ASEAN member states on May 8. "Our focus will be on the most pressing imperatives of our time-fortifying energy security, stabilizing food supplies, and, above all, guaranteeing the absolute safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals, no matter where they are in the world," Lazaro stated during a forum organized by the Jakarta-based Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).

The summit arrives in the wake of supply chain disruptions caused by the Iran conflict that erupted in February, further exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for over 25 percent of the world's crude oil. This meeting will be the first of two ASEAN summits scheduled in the Philippines, with the next one slated for November in Pasay City.

In addition to these discussions, Lazaro highlighted the Philippines' efforts to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in Myanmar under the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), a peace initiative adopted by ASEAN leaders in 2021. Despite certain developments, such as the potential release of political prisoners and changes in Myanmar's government, Lazaro stressed the necessity of fully implementing the 5PC.

Furthermore, Lazaro noted that ASEAN and China are actively engaging in talks to finalize a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), with a target completion date set for 2026. She expressed optimism about the progress of these discussions, mentioning that regular meetings are taking place, including recent sessions in Indonesia and China.