Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia has firmly advocated for all ASEAN member states to expedite the establishment and implementation of robust energy and food reserve mechanisms. This proactive stance aims to bolster regional resilience in the face of escalating global crises. The call was formally made by Cambodia during a joint meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers held on May 7, 2026, in Cebu, Philippines.
During the significant gathering, Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, presented several crucial strategic points designed to address the evolving global landscape. He specifically highlighted the detrimental impacts stemming from the situation in the Middle East, which poses a substantial threat to international supply chains.
In response, Cambodia put forth a proposal urging ASEAN to accelerate the execution of vital regional frameworks to ensure energy stability across the bloc. This includes vigorously promoting the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) for the period of 2026-2030. Concurrently, Cambodia underscored the critical importance of fostering cross-border connectivity through integrated electricity grids and gas pipelines within ASEAN, which would facilitate a more efficient distribution of regional resources. Furthermore, the acceleration of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) mechanism was identified as a paramount priority. This measure is essential for ensuring a timely and effective response to potential food security crises that may arise unexpectedly.
Beyond immediate actions, the Deputy Prime Minister also encouraged ASEAN to explore the feasibility of establishing its own dedicated energy reserve mechanism. This initiative would involve diversifying energy sources, with a particular emphasis on transitioning towards renewable energy solutions. Such a strategic move is envisioned to significantly diminish the region’s heavy reliance on external energy sources, which are often vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts and instabilities. Cambodia reiterated that strengthening the regional food system is an indispensable endeavor to effectively mitigate future external shocks and ensure long-term stability.
Notably, the meeting also featured a presentation from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), which aligned with Cambodia’s position by providing similar recommendations. ERIA emphasized the importance of enhancing both energy and food security, recognizing them as fundamental pillars supporting the overall ASEAN economy.
