PHNOM PENH, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn said on Monday afternoon that the conflict in the Middle East has driven up energy costs, posing significant risks to food security.
He made the remarks during the second special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the situation in the Middle East held via videoconference, said a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued after the meeting.
Sokhonn, who is also a deputy prime minister, said ASEAN needed to maximize existing frameworks to strengthen energy coordination, including accelerating the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline and ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, enhancing real-time data sharing, and improving contingency measures such as fuel reserves.
He also highlighted the importance of advancing the ASEAN Power Grid, as well as energy diversification and renewables.
"He noted that the conflict poses significant risks to food security by driving up energy costs, increasing agricultural expenses, and disrupting fertilizer supply, which could lead to shortages, higher prices, and reduced yields, particularly for vulnerable groups," the press release said.
Sokhonn emphasized that ASEAN should enhance food security through stronger coordination and preparedness, including the effective use of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve and the ASEAN Food Security Information System for timely information sharing and resource mobilization, alongside improved cross-sectoral coordination to address interconnected challenges.
He reaffirmed Cambodia's readiness to work closely with fellow ASEAN member states to strengthen collective resilience and stressed the importance of continued engagement and diplomacy in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
According to the press release, the meeting welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and expressed hope for its full and effective implementation, thereby contributing to the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the resolution of differences through diplomacy and dialogue.
The meeting also exchanged views on the implications of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly its impact on energy and food security, supply chains, and transport routes, the press release said, adding that it also deliberated on practical pathways for ASEAN to strengthen energy resilience and safeguard food security, with the aim of enhancing regional stability and ensuring the continuity of essential supply systems. ■