Manila, May. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit kicked off in Cebu province of the Philippines on Friday, with energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals worldwide as its main priorities.

From left, Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Hau Khan Sum, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN summit and Related Meeting in Cebu, Philippines on Friday, May 8, 2026. (Photo: AP)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos of the Philippines, the chair of ASEAN 2026, said the summit convenes at a time of considerable challenge, adding the increasingly volatile situation in the Middle East has impacted ASEAN nations, and profound uncertainties have threatened lifestyles, livelihoods and lives.

The summit and related meetings, held from Thursday to Friday, take place amid rising energy costs and price hikes across ASEAN member states, widespread disruptions across multiple sectors, and mounting security risks for ASEAN nationals in the Middle East.

Leaders from ASEAN member states will also discuss topics including supporting Timor-Leste's full integration into the regional bloc and the latest developments in Myanmar.

Established in 1967, the grouping includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, which joined the bloc at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia last October.