BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to end their conflict through peaceful means, stressing the need to safeguard maritime security and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a joint statement issued after the 25th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Brunei’s capital, the two blocs welcomed the Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
They reaffirmed the “importance of upholding freedom of navigation in and overflight above straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, as reflected in the 1982 UNCLOS.”
Concern over Strait of Hormuz
The EU and ASEAN expressed “deep concern” over measures that could obstruct vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz or other key maritime routes.
They called for the “safe, unimpeded and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft” and urged all parties to exercise restraint, cease hostilities and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
The strait, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments, has remained blocked as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its second month, disrupting energy supplies and hitting economies, particularly in Asia.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts
Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, which remains in place after US President Donald Trump extended it on April 21.
The EU and ASEAN underscored the need for a “complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East”.
The blocs reiterated that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in line with international law, the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The meeting was represented by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, while Brunei Foreign Minister Prince Mohamed Bolkiah hosted on behalf of ASEAN.
The EU and ASEAN expressed “grave concern” over the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and deplored the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza despite a ceasefire.
More than 72,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
They reiterated support for a two-state solution as the basis for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Pakistan highlights impact of Hormuz closure
On Monday, Pakistan warned at the UN Security Council that continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz could have serious global economic and security consequences.
Speaking at a high-level debate on maritime security, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said disruptions to sea traffic “gravely impact international trade” and create volatility that threatens global stability.
He cautioned that prolonged disruption would affect energy supplies and essential commodities, with wider impacts on inflation, growth and balance of payments, particularly in developing countries.
“The first order impacts… will increasingly translate into second and third order impacts,” he warned, describing the Strait of Hormuz crisis as “a case in point.”
Pakistan stresses diplomacy
Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, maintaining contacts with both Tehran and Washington while coordinating with regional partners.
“Pakistan, supported by brotherly countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, has spearheaded constructive diplomatic efforts for de-escalation,” he said.
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue, adding that Pakistan would continue to work towards a peaceful resolution.
The envoy stressed the importance of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and warned against the erosion of established global norms.
“The rules and norms that we had collectively… put in place are being challenged,” he said, calling for collective action to preserve maritime security and global stability.
