TOKYO, Japan — Senator Bam Aquino joined global leaders and officials at the Tokyo Conference 2026 to discuss the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict, including rising oil prices and market disruptions.

Aquino, the only Filipino delegate, said discussions focused on strategies to stabilize energy markets, mitigate economic shocks, and strengthen regional cooperation amid global uncertainties.

“We all agree that by working together, we can weather immediate challenges and create a strong framework to stabilize the region’s economy and prices of oil products,” Aquino said. He attended the forum alongside former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who co-chaired the event.

Other participants included former Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, former Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, former Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase, and former Malaysian Trade Minister Y.M. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, as well as leaders from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

In his roundtable remarks at Tokyo Prince Hotel, Aquino emphasized the need for Asia to lead a “new form of multilateralism” based on rules, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty.

“Asia must lead in establishing a shared security framework within our region that values cooperation and respect for sovereignty. We must move away from reliance on might as a means of resolution and instead return to a rules-based order,” he said.

Aquino expressed confidence that Asia, leveraging its economic and technological strengths, can promote innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. He called for a “coalition of certainty” in which regional partners collaborate under clear rules, resolve conflicts effectively, and build mutual trust.

“Rather than viewing each other as competitors, Asian nations, along with other regional partners, should recognize the value of mutual support and open trade to enhance collective prosperity,” he added.