ASEAN leaders stand together for the traditional leaders’ group photo at the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines on May 8.

PM joins ASEAN leaders in talks on energy security, regional stability

ASEAN leaders discussed regional and international developments, including the bloc’s preparedness to manage the impacts of oil supply disruptions and price volatility caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions, during the 48th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, the Philippines, on May 8.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone led the Lao delegation attending the summit, which was chaired by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his capacity as President of the Philippines, which is the ASEAN Chair for 2026. The Summit took the theme “Navigating ASEAN’s Future Together”.
The meeting brought together leaders of ASEAN member states, heads of delegations, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN to discuss regional cooperation, ASEAN Community building, and responses to emerging economic and security challenges.
During the plenary session, leaders reviewed progress in implementing the priorities of the Philippine chairmanship, including the ASEAN Community Vision to 2045, plans to strengthen the three ASEAN Community pillars, and the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
Participants shared views on strengthening regional energy security, maintaining food security, and ensuring the safety of ASEAN citizens amid conflicts in various regions, particularly in the Middle East, which continues to affect the regional and global economy.
ASEAN leaders agreed to adopt several important declarations and documents, including the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation and the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Responding to the Crisis in the Middle East, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and reinforcing ASEAN unity.
At the retreat session, leaders highlighted the importance of drawing lessons from past crises while accelerating implementation of regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline project to enhance regional energy resilience.
Leaders also called for closer cooperation among ASEAN sectors responsible for energy, trade, agriculture, and the environment to better prepare for future energy and food security challenges.
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Sonexay attended a working breakfast meeting with the prime ministers of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia to discuss ways to further strengthen trilateral cooperation.
He also held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the President of the Philippines, and the Prime Minister of Malaysia to foster cooperation with partner countries.
The summit reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and cooperation in addressing shared challenges while advancing sustainable development and deeper regional integration.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 11, 2026)