Jakarta - Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the surge in cross-border online fraud have become a serious concern for the foreign ministers of ASEAN member states.
The threat posed by sophisticated criminal networks—which fuel human trafficking, money laundering, and the misuse of digital technology—is viewed as an urgent challenge requiring strengthened regional cooperation, both within the region and with external partners.
This was conveyed by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in an official statement during his speech presenting the outcomes of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Annual Meeting (Manila) at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
“This is an issue that currently affects us all, and there is a need to strengthen regional cooperation, both within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its external partners,” said Kao Kim Hourn.
ASEAN foreign ministers also agreed to strengthen coordination through ASEAN-led security mechanisms to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy and food security, supply chains, and the safety of ASEAN citizens in the region.
In addition, the ministers issued a joint statement calling for the importance of dialogue and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law, and expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (InfoPublik.id)