Manila, Philippines – Amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the two-week-old ceasefire between the United States and Iran, the security of ships in the Strait of Hormuz – the gateway to global oil supplies – remains on top of the discussions.
In a virtual press briefing by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who is the Chair of the regional bloc, stressed that the agreement between the Philippines and Iran on the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains in place.
Lazaro also expects that two to three vessels will be able to cross the Strait.
This is a result of the agreement between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Lazaro that Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and Filipino seafarers will not be blocked and will not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding the two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, ASEAN member states recognize any steps towards an immediate resolution of the conflict and lasting peace.
At the scheduled ASEAN Summit in Cebu, this coming May, the set-up will be simple according to Lazaro, where ASEAN member states are scheduled to discuss energy and food security amid the crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Despite the 2-week ceasefire, Israel is still attacking Palestinian states, such as Lebanon.
This is said to be making it difficult for the ceasefire to progress, according to analysts.–Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News