48th

• The 48th ASEAN Summit concluded on Friday, May 8, with leaders proposing a regional fuel stockpile and standby food security mechanism to counter supply disruptions from Middle East conflicts. • Measures target impacts from Strait of Hormuz closure, which threatens fuel and fertiliser supplies critical to Southeast Asia. • Leaders agreed to a crisis communication protocol for foreign ministers to enable coherent, timely regional responses across multiple sectors.

• Laos is ramping up regional diplomacy before the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on May 7-8, with Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visiting Indonesia for bilateral talks. • Discussions covered trade, investment, tourism, human resource development, and broader ASEAN priorities, including meetings with business groups and the ASEAN Secretariat. • Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will lead Laos at the summit, focusing on unity amid geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia.