(Philippines): Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, during the Joint ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting, encouraged ASEAN to explore establishing an ASEAN regional energy reserve mechanism and diversifying energy sources amid tensions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

The meeting was held in Cebu, the Philippines on 7 May 2026. Participants exchanged views on global and regional developments, particularly the developing situation in the Middle East and the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the crisis.

The meeting also took note of the briefings by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) regarding the potential impact on ASEAN, along with recommendations to strengthen regional energy and food security.

Taking the opportunity, Cambodia highlighted several priorities to address both immediate and long-term needs.

In the immediate term, Cambodia emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional energy and food security and stability by accelerating the implementation of existing regional frameworks, particularly the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, the ASEAN Power Grid, the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, and the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).

To strengthen long-term preparedness and resilience, Cambodia encouraged ASEAN to explore establishing a regional energy reserve mechanism and to diversify energy sources, including renewable energy.

Cambodia also underscored the need to strengthen regional food systems further to mitigate the impact of future external shocks.

In addition, Cambodia underscored the importance of deepening economic integration and trade diversification by effectively utilising and enhancing frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), ASEAN+1 Free Trade Agreements, and the ASEAN-CPTPP Trade and Investment Dialogue.

Cambodia also called for expanded cooperation with external partners such as the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to pursue future free trade agreements with those regions.
=FRESH NEWS