• Top diplomats call for ‘full resumption’ of rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access in Gaza
• They also demand an ‘immediate and permanent ceasefire’ and ‘unconditional’ release of all hostages
• Urge Israel, Iran to respect ceasefire, avoid further escalation

ISTANBUL

Unilateral tariffs are “counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation,” according to a joint statement by top diplomats of Southeast Asian nations issued Friday.

Expressing “concern” over rising global trade tensions and “growing uncertainties” in the international economic landscape, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emphasized role of World Trade Organization for a fairer trade.

The joint statement was released as the top diplomats met for their 58th meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week.

“We underscored the importance of a predictable, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system,” said the statement, without directly naming the US, which has imposed tariffs on allies and rival across the world in recent months.

On the Israeli war on the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza, the ASEAN officials expressed “great concern” over the continued tension in the Middle East and called on all parties concerned to “exercise self-restraint, avoid acts that may aggravate the situation.”

Urging diplomacy and dialogue for peace and stability in the region, the joint statement said: “We expressed grave concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

“We called for the full resumption of rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need, including through increased capacity at border crossings, including by sea,” said the readout, demanding an “immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

They also reaffirmed “support” for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in the execution of its mandate.

Turning to the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, the bloc’s foreign ministers expressed “concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East since 13 June 2025,” and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on 24 June.

“We urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of this conflict. We reaffirmed the obligation of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations,” said the statement, without mentioning US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.