Manila: South Korea is proposing to expand the scope of its rice emergency aid initiative with Japan, China, and the 11 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to respond to the deepening impacts caused by developments in the Middle East to the region. Speaking at the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Pasay City, Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun highlighted the vulnerabilities exposed by the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has created significant challenges to food and energy security.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cho Hyun emphasized that the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries can use the current situation as an opportunity to showcase their value as a regional mechanism. He urged the 11 ASEAN states and the three dialogue partners to gather the political will and technical expertise needed to develop a strategic plan from 2028 onwards.

Cho noted that while the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) has been successful in ensuring food security during emergencies, there is a need to widen its scope beyond rice. He also pointed out that energy experts have been exploring regional cooperation for years, and now is the time to translate these discussions into concrete actions.

APTERR is a regional cooperation under the ASEAN Plus Three framework aimed at bolstering food security during emergencies and addressing issues like poverty and malnutrition without affecting normal trade. It facilitates the allocation of emergency rice reserves to support victims during crises such as natural disasters.

Beyond disaster relief, the ASEAN Plus Three framework plays a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and security among its 14 member states. Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying expressed China's commitment to utilizing ASEAN Plus Three as a primary vehicle for East Asia cooperation. She stated that China is ready to work with all parties to implement the 2023 to 2027 work plan and enhance the region's resilience and vitality.

In their joint communique, the ASEAN foreign ministers expressed their intention to further deepen ASEAN Plus Three cooperation, focusing on food and energy security and disaster preparedness. The ASEAN member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.