Asean leaders focus on food, energy, maritime safety

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Asean leaders adopted a joint statement on Friday, May 8, strengthening regional coordination on energy security, maritime safety, food supply, and crisis response as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about global energy flows. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during a press conference at the International Media Center after the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings that leaders discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions on trade, investment, energy markets, and supply chains across Southeast Asia. Asean expressed serious concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, which it said threatens civilian safety…