The total population of the 11 ASEAN member states (including Timor-Leste) is expected to reach around 704.76 million in 2026. This number includes the cumulative population of the ten founding members of ASEAN and Timor-Leste, admitted as the 11th member in late 2025.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers held an extraordinary meeting on March 13, 2026, via video conference to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and its implications for ASEAN.
This was the first collective diplomatic response of this prestigious subregional organization, whose presidency will be held by the Philippines in 2026.
Although relatively brief (only nine paragraphs), the presidency statement was cautious and firm, expressing “serious concern” about the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East following the attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran on February 28, 2026.
It also mentioned the Israeli attack on Lebanon and retaliations by Iran against several countries in the region, exacerbating tensions and posing a serious threat to civilians’ lives and security, regional and global peace, and stability.
The meeting called on all countries to respect international law, particularly the United Nations Charter.
In light of the current events in the Middle East, the meeting emphasized the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and called on all parties involved to show restraint, avoid actions that could escalate the situation, and resolve their differences through diplomatic means and dialogue to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The meeting reaffirmed the obligation of all states to resolve disputes peacefully and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Charter.
It also mentioned the security and well-being of ASEAN nationals in affected areas and reaffirmed the commitment to providing them with emergency assistance, especially during this period.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening regional connectivity, intensifying cooperation on energy preparedness, diversifying energy sources, facilitating trade, enhancing logistics connectivity, and consolidating supply chain resilience to ensure stable access to essential goods, especially food, throughout ASEAN.
Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the need to explore mutually beneficial collaboration with external partners and discussed the economic implications of the Middle East conflict on the global economy.
The ministers agreed to continue monitoring the situation in the Middle East and coordinate actions to manage its implications for ASEAN.
[Context: This article discusses the outcomes of an extraordinary meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East.]
[Fact Check: The information presented in the article is based on statements and documents from the ASEAN meeting regarding the situation in the Middle East.]
