MIDDLE EAST MONITORING DESK ISLAMABAD
The Foreign Ministers of Association of South East Asian Nations ASEAN , Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam have expressed serious concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East following the attacks initiated by Israel and United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 28 February 2026.
The Ministers also expressed concern on subsequent retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against several countries in the region.
These countries mentioned in the statement are Bahrain,Jordan,Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and United Arab Emirates.
The Ministers said this situation continue to heighten tensions in the Middle East, and pose a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability. We call on all countries to respect international law, including the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter).
The ministers said , this escalation is particularly regrettable as it occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by the Sultanate of Oman aimed at advancing a negotiated solution.
” We emphasise the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and call on all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region, the joint statement reads.
The ministers have reaffirmed the obligation of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, in line with international law, including the UN Charter. They further reiterated the obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in armed conflicts consistent with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have re-emphasised the shared commitment to provide emergency assistance to ASEAN nationals, especially during this time, in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on the Guidelines on Consular Assistance by ASEAN Member States’ Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of Other ASEAN Member State and the Guidelines for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by ASEAN Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN Member Countries in Crisis Situations.
