2026 AMM-AEM Meeting Highlights Impact of Middle East Conflict on the Region

RRI.CO.ID, Cebu – Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro, along with Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Cristina A. Roque, co-chaired the ASEAN Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers (AMM-AEM) Meeting. During the meeting, both officials highlighted the serious impact of the Middle East conflict on the Southeast Asian region.

The meeting in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, was opened by Tess. Together with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, she urged all parties in the Middle East to continue negotiations leading to an end to the conflict.

She noted that the Middle East conflict has blurred the lines between politics and the economy, the effects of which are now being felt by millions of people in ASEAN. Furthermore, Tess emphasized the need for collective action to protect the region’s economic stability.

In line with Minister Tess, Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Cristina A. Roque noted that all parties need to focus on key priorities. Roque outlined strategic measures ranging from stabilizing the energy supply to supporting small businesses.

“The impacts of this prolonged conflict have now blurred the lines between the political and the economic to gradually affect, and gradually affecting the lives of millions of people across ASEAN. Our energy security, food security, and safety of ASEAN nationals have been brought out as the most urgent priorities for our region to address,” Tess said.

Roque stated, “We should focus on a few clear priorities. Strengthening coordination to stabilize energy supply and manage price pressures. Addressing risk to food security and supply chain disruptions early, and ensuring that our businesses, particularly the MSMEs, are supported so they can continue to operate and to grow.”

The meeting was attended by a delegation from Indonesia, namely Foreign Minister Sugiono and Trade Minister Budi Santoso. After the opening remarks, the discussion session continued behind closed doors to formulate the next concrete steps.