Marcos backs UAE as Southeast Asia leaders urge restraint over Iran war
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and called for an end to hostilities in the Middle East as Southeast Asian governments responded to the escalating conflict involving Iran.
Marcos conveyed the message during a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement Friday.
During the call, Marcos expressed confidence in the UAE government’s ability to ensure the safety of residents, including nearly one million Filipinos living and working in the country.
"During the call, President Marcos expressed solidarity with the people of UAE amid the situation in the Gulf region as well as his confidence in the UAE’s ability to ensure the safety of all residents," the PCO said.
Marcos also expressed hope that the conflict would end soon and that the situation would return to normal.
ASEAN urges ceasefire
The reaction from Manila mirrors broader concerns across Southeast Asia as governments call for restraint and diplomacy.
Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued a joint statement on March 4 urging an immediate ceasefire and respect for international law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
The regional bloc said the escalation threatens civilian safety and global stability and called on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions.
Mixed responses across region
Individual Southeast Asian governments have issued their own responses to the war.
Indonesia expressed regret over the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with President Prabowo Subianto offering to travel to Iran and facilitate dialogue aimed at easing tensions.
Malaysia and Brunei took a stronger stance, condemning the strikes on Iran and urging all sides to prevent further escalation.
Other countries in the region, including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, said they were monitoring the situation closely and stressed the importance of diplomacy and protecting their citizens in the Middle East.
Governments across Southeast Asia have also raised concerns about the safety of millions of migrant workers in the Gulf region as the conflict continues.
The Philippines alone has more than two million nationals working across the Middle East, making their safety a key concern for Manila.
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