ASEAN Summit discusses formulating emergency plans to ensure stable fuel and food supply

According to reports from the Associated Press on the 8th, ASEAN leaders are currently facing immense pressure and urgently need to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict on their populations and economies. Most of the region’s oil and natural gas are imported from the Middle East. The summit is focused on the Middle East issue, and to reduce costs, its duration has also been shortened. In a closed-door meeting on the 8th, Philippine President Marcos, chairing ASEAN this year, told other ASEAN leaders that the Middle East conflict has exposed the vulnerability of ASEAN nations when facing external shocks. He warned that even if the war ends now, economic recovery may take several years.