Politburo member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung joined his ASEAN counterparts in discussing developments in the Middle East and their implications for regional and global stability.

During the meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed deep concern over the escalation of the conflict, warning that it could have serious consequences for political and security stability as well as economic conditions in the region and beyond.

The FMs reaffirmed ASEAN’s common position outlined in a joint statement issued on March 4, calling for respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, restraint from the use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. They also stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity while protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Participants noted that the conflict has had wide-ranging impacts on the global economy, particularly by disrupting energy markets and key maritime routes and supply chains, which could negatively affect regional economic prospects and ASEAN’s community-building efforts.

The FMs agreed that ASEAN should make effective use of existing cooperation frameworks, including the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, while strengthening cooperation with partners to diversify energy supplies and improve logistics resilience.

They also emphasised the importance of reinforcing ASEAN solidarity and cooperation, including by boosting intra-regional trade and investment and enhancing efforts to safeguard energy and food security and maintain macroeconomic stability.

Regarding consular protection, ASEAN members consented to continue close coordination and support each other’s citizens in emergency or crisis situations in the Middle East, in line with agreed procedures.

Speaking at the meeting, FM Le Hoai Trung reaffirmed ASEAN’s shared stance on the Middle East conflict, opposing the use of force and stressing respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law and the UN Charter, as well as the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

He also welcomed ASEAN’s timely consultations and coordination in tackling emerging challenges.

Amid the far-reaching impacts of the Middle East conflict, the Vietnamese diplomat laid stress on the importance of ASEAN unity and called for stronger efforts to promote dialogue, resolve disputes peacefully and uphold international law, the UN Charter and common norms set out in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

On economic issues, Le Hoai Trung said resilience and sustainability are key priorities. He called on ASEAN to effectively implement agreed commitments, strengthen regional economic integration, expand infrastructure connectivity and ensure energy security, including by accelerating major cooperation projects such as the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline.

He also underlined the need for ASEAN member states to prioritise energy supply for one another, particularly oil and gas, while making effective use of cooperation arrangements with partners, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to diversify energy sources.

Regarding citizen protection, the diplomat said Vietnamese embassies in the Middle East stand ready to assist ASEAN nationals facing difficulties or emergencies.

The meeting concluded with the Philippines, ASEAN Chair for 2026, issuing a Chairman’s Statement summarising the main discussions and outcomes.

Vietnamese embassy in Israel urges safety measures amid Middle East tensions

As the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran entered its fourth day with increasingly complex developments, the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has issued a notice urging members of the Vietnamese community to heighten vigilance and strictly comply with local security regulations.