ASEAN Leaders Agree to Strengthen Food, Energy Security
President Prabowo Subianto at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
During the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, President Prabowo Subianto and other leaders of Southeast Asian countries affirmed commitment to deal with global challenges, specifically in food and energy security.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, in his press statement, explained that the main issue raised in various sessions of the Summit was ASEAN’s collective response to global geopolitics situations, in particular tensions in the Middle East that affect the lives of countries in the region.
“The main point [discussed] was ASEAN’s collective response in addressing the situation in the Middle East, which being felt by everyone, has a direct impact to the lives of countries in the region, especially in the economic sector, particularly in food and energy availability,” the Minister told the press on Saturday (05/09).
According to the Minister, ASEAN leaders shared the understanding that the Southeast Asia region must be more resilient in facing global uncertainties. Therefore, strengthening regional cooperation in the food and energy sectors was one of central topics discussed during the Summit.
“There is a growing common understanding that due to the current global situation, ASEAN needs a joint initiative to make ASEAN a more resilient region, particularly in energy and food sectors,” he added.
The Minister further said that the agenda aligns with priorities of President Prabowo’s administration, which emphasize food and energy security as pillars of national sovereignty and resilience. Moreover, the Government is accelerating strategic programs to support these goals.
“I believe this is also something that has been part of the Government’s program from the very beginning under President Prabowo’s leadership, where energy security and food security are among the most fundamental needs that must be fulfilled by our country,” Sugiono said.
The Minister added that in the forum, leaders of ASEAN member countries agreed on some deliverables as part of efforts to enhance food and energy security in the region, such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement and APTERR (ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve).
The current global dynamics indicate that a conflict occurs in a region can rapidly affect other countries, including Southeast Asian countries. “We are all aware that conflicts taking place in a region far from us can quickly affect our communities, a reality felt by all ASEAN member states,” Sugiono concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/MMB)
