Kota Bharu: ASEAN member states have expressed grave concern over the continued war in Gaza and the Middle East, according to the Chairman’s Statement issued today following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit. Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the leaders of the regional bloc strongly condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in immense number of casualties, particularly innocent women and children.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the statement urged all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the Provisional Orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2024. The ASEAN leaders commended the efforts of member states in delivering humanitarian assistance and called on all ASEAN members and external partners to continue facilitating such aid.
The statement also affirmed support for the United Nations (UN) Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and emphasized the need for full resumption of unimpeded, rapid, safe, and sustained humanitarian access, including through expanded capacity at border crossings and by sea. ASEAN urged all concerned parties to pursue meaningful dialogue towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution based on the two-state solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
In addition to concerns about Gaza, ASEAN also expressed grave concern over the surge in North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches. The increased tension in the Korean Peninsula is seen as a development that threatens peace and stability in the region. The statement called on North Korea to de-escalate tensions and urged all concerned parties to resume peaceful dialogue to create a conducive environment towards lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the statement reiterated ASEAN member states’ respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity for all nations. It called for compliance with the UN Charter and international law, urging a swift end to the conflict and a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship on May 26 and 27 with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, successfully concluded today. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements – the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – were convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.