ASEAN Foreign Ministers to Hold Rare Meeting on Myanmar in Bangkok

ASEAN foreign ministers will hold a rare meeting with their Myanmar counterpart in Bangkok this weekend, the Philippines said on Friday. This marks the first time since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold an in-person meeting at the foreign minister level with the majority-Buddhist nation. The Philippines, as chair of the now 11-member bloc, described the gathering as an ‘informal’ meeting and said it would be hosted by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Bangkok. The ASEAN foreign ministers ‘will be briefed by U Tin Maung Swe on developments in Myanmar,’ the Philippine foreign ministry said in a statement. ‘They are expected to exchange views on ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar, as well as on possible concrete steps that Myanmar can take to address concerns related to the cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among the contending parties, and humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, as contained in the Five-Point Consensus (5PC),’ it added. Last month, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Myanmar’s newly appointed government appeared ‘more open’ to suggestions than the previous regime. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who led the military coup that ousted the National League for Democracy government in February 2021, assumed the presidency and appointed a new cabinet in April. Immediately after the February 2021 coup by Myanmar’s military, ASEAN issued the 5PC. The ASEAN 5PC calls on all parties in Myanmar to cease violence and ‘exercise utmost restraint.’ Under the 5PC, ASEAN also provides humanitarian assistance to Myanmar through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, while a special envoy is tasked with visiting Myanmar to ‘meet with all parties concerned.’