ASEAN member states have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Five-Point Consensus to promote peace and stability in Myanmar during an informal ASEAN-Myanmar meeting held in Bangkok on July 12.
The meeting marked the first in-person engagement between ASEAN and Myanmar representatives since the military coup in 2021. Myanmar's Foreign Minister, U Tin Maung Swe, attended the meeting.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, whose country currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship, said the gathering was not an official ASEAN meeting but represented an important first step in continuing discussions on the Myanmar crisis. She also urged Myanmar to use the opportunity to demonstrate concrete and measurable progress on the key commitments outlined in the Five-Point Consensus.
The Five-Point Consensus, adopted by ASEAN in response to Myanmar's post-coup political crisis, calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of an ASEAN special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and access for the special envoy to meet all relevant stakeholders.
Lazaro also announced that, as part of the consensus, the Philippines will undertake a humanitarian mission to Myanmar during the second half of this year to expand humanitarian assistance for people affected by the crisis.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow described the discussions as open, candid, and constructive. He said Thailand stands ready to facilitate dialogue between the Naypyidaw authorities and ethnic armed groups, particularly those operating along the Thai-Myanmar border.
The meeting also touched on the situation of Aung San Suu Kyi. According to a briefing by Myanmar's foreign minister, she is receiving proper care, has access to the necessary facilities, and remains in good health. ASEAN members also noted that allowing the ASEAN Special Envoy to meet Aung San Suu Kyi would help verify those assurances.
Sihasak said progress on the Myanmar issue will be reviewed at next week's ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and later at the ASEAN Summit scheduled for later this year. He added that resolving the crisis would take time, but ASEAN expects to see steady, step-by-step progress toward a peaceful solution.
Ref / Photo: Thai PBS World.
