MANILA: Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Friday (March 13) issued a unified call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in the escalating Middle East conflict, urging all parties to exercise utmost self-restraint, protect civilians and critical infrastructure, and return to diplomatic dialogue as the only path to lasting peace and stability.
The Philippines, serving as Asean chair, convened a Special Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting to address the growing security crisis in the Middle East and its far-reaching implications for regional economic stability, energy security, and the safety of Asean nationals in affected areas.
