Bangkok: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak participated in discussions with ASEAN Foreign Ministers on addressing the long-term impacts of the Middle East conflict. He urged the US and Iran to respect rules and ensure freedom of navigation, and appealed for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and bring about peace and end the conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, announced the results of the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, held online. He stated that the meeting discussed ASEAN's approach to responding to the impacts of the situation in the Middle East, particularly on energy and food sectors, as well as preparing to strengthen ASEAN's mechanisms for handling urgent situations. A joint statement was issued by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressing concern over the situation in the Middle East and the need for continued diplomatic action by those involved. Thailand reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all parties, including Iran and the United States, respect international rules, especially regarding safe navigation through vital straits, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr. Sihasak revealed that Thailand is concerned about the failure of negotiations between the United States and Iran to reach an agreement. He understands that the situation is complex and requires more than one round of negotiations. Therefore, he hopes that all parties will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
Mr. Sihasak also revealed that ASEAN is concerned about the United States' plan to use its navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, which would increase tension and conflict. He believes this is undesirable for ASEAN and the international community, and therefore urged the United States, Iran, and Israel to strive towards negotiations to de-escalate tensions and violence and achieve peace.
Regarding the approach to dealing with the unresolved Middle East negotiations, Mr. Sihasak acknowledged that the negotiations are not easy and involve complex issues, with each side lacking mutual trust. Although the meetings did not achieve the expected results, he hoped that negotiations would continue and urged all parties involved to respect the ceasefire agreement and the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz safely.
Regarding the proposals from both China and Pakistan, Mr. Sihasak said he welcomed the proposals from all sides aiming for peace in the Middle East. He urged all parties to consider the proposals from China, the United States, and Iran with good intentions and in a constructive manner, so that negotiations can move forward.
Regarding the energy impact on ASEAN, Mr. Sihasak stated that ASEAN has been affected by energy security and prices, forcing ASEAN countries to implement energy conservation measures. This impacts not only on oil and gas prices but also on the cost of living for ASEAN citizens. Although ASEAN as a whole cannot yet cooperate fully due to internal national issues, it serves as a catalyst for ASEAN to look at the long-term perspective of building greater energy cooperation, utilizing existing cooperation frameworks in a concrete manner.
Mr. Sihasak also revealed that the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting discussed concrete cooperation measures, such as energy-producing countries assisting ASEAN countries that lack energy resources or face shortages, and cooperating in finding clean energy alternatives through the ASEAN Power Grid, hydropower, and electricity for energy sharing. They also discussed cooperation in clean and renewable energy, exchanging knowledge, and raising funds through the private sector or international financial institutions to help ASEAN develop.
Regarding food security, Mr. Sihasak stated that ASEAN has an advantage because it already serves as a source of supplies for the world. In the future, there may need to be cooperation in stockpiling food supplies in case any ASEAN country that is not a producer experiences shortages or insufficient quantities. This would allow other ASEAN countries to assist each other. There is also a rice reserve project through the ASEAN+3 cooperation framework, which may need to be expanded to include other food products as well.
Mr. Sihasak also revealed that the meeting agreed that ASEAN must have the capacity to respond quickly to international or internal events collectively. Vietnam has prepared a document to serve as a basis for discussions, ensuring readiness in institutional structure and decision-making methods so that it can work quickly and respond effectively to incidents.
Mr. Sihasak also revealed that, in addition to discussing the situation in the Middle East, the meeting also included preparations for the ASEAN Leaders' Summit, which will be hosted by the Philippines on May 7-8. Mr. Sihasak further disclosed the progress in recovering the bodies of the three crew members of the Mayuree Naree, stating that the remains have been brought down from the ship and are awaiting forensic examination to confirm the identities of the victims. The ship's owner is coordinating the process, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to assist in facilitating the process.