Seminar in Nay Pyi Taw : Reviewing Myanmar’s position and role within ASEAN

A Seminar titled, “Reviewing Myanmar’s position and role within ASEAN” was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw on 31 July. Union Minister U Tin Maung Swe highlighted and reviewed Myanmar’s role and contributions as a responsible Member State of ASEAN since its accession to ASEAN, including its role on the Country Coordinator for ASEAN’s external relations with Dialogue Partners. He also underscored Myanmar’s efforts to enhance Myanmar’s role and contribution within ASEAN, and maintain positive and constructive engagement with all ASEAN Member States. The Union Minister further discussed the way forward and possible roadmap for Myanmar’s continued engagement within ASEAN. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of charting long-term strategies aimed at effectively advancing and safeguarding Myanmar’s national interests, as well as formulating practical policy recommendations for short-term, medium-term, and long-term implementation to bolster Myanmar’s position within ASEAN. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further stated that the discussion would focus, in particular, on ways and means to strengthen Myanmar’s role within ASEAN, to address and overcome the challenges that may arise in strengthening and maintaining regular and constructive Myanmar–ASEAN relations, while integrating the views and perspectives of experts and professionals from various fields. Afterwards, Director-General of ASEAN Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave an overview presentation titled “Myanmar’s 29-Year journey in ASEAN”. In addition, participants exchanged views on Myanmar’s perspectives on ASEAN, ASEAN’s perspectives on Myanmar, and Myanmar’s role within ASEAN amid changing regional and international dynamics. They also suggested pragmatic policy recommendations to enhance Myanmar’s engagement within ASEAN and identified key priority areas for Myanmar’s cooperation with ASEAN over the next five years. The Seminar concluded with a summary presentation of the key recommendations of discussion points collected from the seminar by the Director-General of the ASEAN Affairs Department, followed by the closing remarks delivered by the Union Minister.