ASEAN calls for restraint and guarantees of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
The foreign ministers of the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), at the conclusion of their meeting in Manila, expressed concern over the Middle East crisis and called for restraint from the involved parties and guarantees of freedom of navigation in international straits.
In the final statement of this meeting, ASEAN emphasized that the economic consequences of the Middle East crisis have been felt throughout the region and stressed the need to maintain freedom of navigation and overflight over straits, including unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, also warned in a meeting with ASEAN representatives that control of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran could set a dangerous precedent and endanger the principle of freedom of navigation.
ASEAN also announced that despite the emphasis on energy cooperation among member countries, there has been no new progress in projects such as creating a regional electricity network or a joint mechanism for fuel storage and exchange.