The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers on Tuesday reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing lasting peace and stability in Myanmar, emphasizing ASEAN Centrality and the Five-Point Consensus framework.
Speaking at a press huddle following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and the Extended Informal Consultation (EIC), Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro expressed optimism regarding the regional bloc’s ongoing engagement to support a solution that is both Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.
“Through these meetings, I am optimistic about our commitment to assist Myanmar in achieving a lasting solution… one that ultimately will benefit the Myanmar peoples and the region as a whole,” Secretary Lazaro stated.
Central to the discussions was the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, adopted by ASEAN in 2021. The framework calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, humanitarian assistance, and direct engagement through an ASEAN Special Envoy.
Building on outcomes from recent informal consultations held in Bangkok, Thailand, foreign ministers evaluated new strategies to enhance continuity and effectiveness in their diplomatic efforts. Key among the proposals discussed was the potential appointment of a long-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to replace the current single-year rotating term.
“I had focused discussions with my fellow Ministers on proposals that were raised in Bangkok,” Lazaro added. “Some of these included an approach for ASEAN as to how it can assess progress in Myanmar, as well as the prospect of a long-term Special Envoy of ASEAN on Myanmar.”
The ministers agreed that senior officials will continue deliberating on these proposals to determine how they can be formally integrated into ASEAN’s future outcome documents and operational strategy.
