Manila, April 14 -- The member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are looking to establish a more coordinated approach in mitigating the impact of the Middle East crisis on the region, especially on trade, energy and food security.

At the recent 2nd special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, held virtually on April 13, participating top diplomats agreed to strengthen cooperation while emphasizing the urgent need to minimize disruptions to intra-ASEAN trade and inflow of investments, and strengthen supply chain connectivity.

The meeting encouraged all ASEAN member states to ensure the "timely reliable, and secure access" to essential goods, raw materials, and energy supplies; a...