TOKYO/MANILA -- The Japan-led Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) agreed on Thursday to strengthen oil stockpiles across member countries in response to instability in the Middle East, as the framework struggles to move the region from its fossil fuel reliance.

At a ministerial meeting in Manila, AZEC members adopted a work plan aimed at expanding oil reserves throughout Asia. The initiative calls for improvements in stockpiling systems and infrastructure and the creation of mechanisms to coordinate releases of reserves during emergencies.

"Expectations for Japan are extremely high because of its extensive experience with stockpiling," said Kei Takagi, state minister of economy, trade and industry, who represented Japan at the meeting.

The members also reaffirmed their commitment to transitioning to a variety of alternative energy sources, including renewable energy and nuclear power. The Asian Development Bank and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia launched a new framework to support decarbonization efforts with financing.

Senior officials from oil-producing nations Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also attended the meeting and expressed their willingness to cooperate in strengthening petroleum stockpiles in Asia.

AZEC was established to pursue decarbonization, economic growth and energy security in Asia. Discussions initially centered on various low-carbon strategies, but deteriorating conditions in the Middle East and resulting concerns over oil supply disruptions have pushed energy security to the forefront.

Many Southeast Asian countries have limited petroleum reserves. Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said at the meeting that with major chokepoints now disrupted, an urgent challenge has emerged. She emphasized the need to simultaneously address energy security, economic growth and decarbonization.

Japan has roughly five decades of experience in strategic petroleum stockpiling dating back to the oil shocks of the 1970s. By assisting other Asian countries, Tokyo also hopes to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.

Japan and the Philippines agreed separately on Thursday to cooperate on energy supply and demand surveys as well as personnel training related to petroleum reserves.

Asian economies remain heavily dependent on power generated from fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency estimates that Southeast Asia will account for roughly one-fifth of the increase in global energy demand through 2035.

"Renewables and nuclear power will continue to expand in Southeast Asia, but they will not be sufficient to meet growing demand," said Ichiro Kutani, a board member and director at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan. "Fossil fuels are likely to remain in use for the foreseeable future." While dependence on fossil fuels may continue in the near term, AZEC's significance lies in creating a pathway for a longer-term shift toward low-carbon power generation.

During Thursday's talks, Takagi and Garin signed a memorandum of understanding under which Japan will support the Philippines' introduction of nuclear power generation. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is also cooperating with Singapore in offshore wind power.

The spread of artificial intelligence is expected to drive a sharp increase in energy demand across Southeast Asia. Singapore-based data center operator ST Telemedia Global Data Centres is working with a major Philippine telecommunications company to expand operations in the Manila metropolitan area. The Philippine government is supporting the efforts in hopes of attracting additional investment.