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Foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila addresses security challenges

The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began a three-day meeting in Manila on Tuesday. The agenda focuses on the main security challenges in the region, marked by the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran and the growing differences in the South China Sea.

In a joint statement after their first session, the foreign ministers expressed their concern about the escalation in the Middle East. They called for an immediate halt to hostilities and the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for global oil and gas trade. They also reiterated the commitment to resolve differences between States through dialogue and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting in Manila becomes a key space for member countries to discuss strategies that promote regional stability. The ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels to avoid misunderstandings and major conflicts.

ASEAN has historically been a forum for cooperation and dialogue in Southeast Asia. This meeting seeks not only to address current conflicts, but also to strengthen regional integration and collaboration on security and economic development issues.

Escalation in the Middle East

The conflict between Iran and the United States reached its tenth day this Tuesday with no signs of de-escalation. While clashes continue in Iranian territory and in the Persian Gulf, diplomats are intensifying efforts to save the provisional agreement that sought to reduce tensions.

The Iranian Minister of the Interior, Eskandar Momeni, began a visit to Pakistan, a country that acts as a mediator. In Islamabad he met with the head of the Pakistani Army, Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The latter expressed concern about the military escalation and urged all parties to act with restraint, seeking to resume negotiations.

The United States reported attacking command centers, air defense, and missile and drone launch sites in Iran. In response, Tehran intensified operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where a tanker was attacked and its crew had to evacuate the ship.

The tension spread to the Red Sea. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and warned shipping companies about transiting Bab el-Mandeb. The interruption of these routes raised international concern about oil supply, driving the price of crude oil above $90 per barrel.

Despite diplomatic efforts, a climate of mistrust persists. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that his government keeps the possibility of negotiating open, but warned that any agreement must offer real guarantees. The continuity of bombings and attacks on energy infrastructure keep the international community on alert regarding the risk of an expansion of the conflict in the Middle East.

Meeting in the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting in the Kremlin with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. The meeting reaffirmed the growing alliance between both nations.

Putin expressed his gratitude to the North Korean government for its support of Russian military operations in Ukraine. The visit was carried out at the invitation of the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Although not confirmed, speculation is circulating about a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia. The meeting reflects the strategic closeness between Moscow and Pyongyang in a complex international context.

The alliance between both countries has strengthened amid global tensions. This approach could have repercussions on regional geopolitics.