ASEAN-Myanmar meeting commits to 5-point consensus for peace

ASEAN has vowed to make progress in bringing about stability and peace in conflict-torn Myanmar, following an unofficial meeting with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe in Bangkok on Sunday.

The event was the first in-person meeting between the bloc and Myanmar since the military coup in 2021.

Speaking to reporters, Theresa Lazaro, foreign minister for the Philippines, the current chair of ASEAN, said the meeting concluded with a decision to remain committed to the five-point consensus in pursuing a peaceful and lasting solution for Myanmar.

"While this meeting is not an official and formal ASEAN meeting, we have noted this is just an initial step in our continuing discussions and express our hope that Myanmar takes this opportunity to make concrete and demonstrable progress, or benchmarks, on the core points of the five-point consensus," she said.

The plan, created specifically to deal with the political turmoil in Myanmar after the coup, includes an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue, the appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance and a visit by the special envoy to meet all parties concerned.

Under the consensus, the Philippines will embark on a humanitarian mission in Myanmar in the latter half of this year, aimed at expanding humanitarian assistance, Lazaro said.

Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the discussion was frank, candid and constructive. As for the cessation of violence, Sihasak said Thailand is ready to facilitate dialogue between Naypyidaw and ethnic groups, especially those along the Thai border.

Asked by reporters whether the discussion involved prominent Myanmar figure Aung San Suu Kyi, the Thai top envoy said “During the briefing provided by the Foreign Minister of Myanmar, he assured us that she is well taken care of, has access to all the needed facilities and is in good health.

We also commented that, if the ASEAN Special Envoy could be given the opportunity to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, that would be even better, so that we can verify the claims made by the foreign minister,” he said.

Asked whether there is a timeline to evaluate the outcome, Sihasak said the matter will be discussed again at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting next week and at the ASEAN Summit later this year.

“We are realistic enough to know that this is not going to be achieved overnight. We want to see progress step by step and continued incremental progress. We clearly spell out what our expectations are going forward,” the minister said.

Main photo: (L-R) Timor-Leste FM Bendito Freitas, Vietnam FM Le Hoai Trung, Malaysia Chief Secretary Shamsul Bakar, Thailand FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Philippines FM Maria Theresa Lazaro, Singapore FM Vivian Balakrishnan, Brunei FM Erywan Yusof, Indonesia FM Sugiono, Laos FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Myanmar FM U Tin Maung Swe.