Philippines Secretary Lazaro convenes back-to-back meetings on Myanmar in Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand

The Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, concluded back-to-back meetings on 12-13 July to discuss the political situation in Myanmar. The meetings were hosted by Thai Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand, respectively, according to the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs on 14 July. On 12 July, the Secretary held a bilateral meeting with Myanmar counterpart, U Tin Maung Swe, where they had a candid and constructive discussion on advancing the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and how ASEAN may assist Myanmar in its aspiration of normalizing its relations with ASEAN. The Secretary also chaired the Informal Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers with Myanmar counterpart, where the latter gave a briefing on the latest developments in Myanmar, which covered the government’s efforts to implement the action points relevant to the 5PC, the government’s 100-day Peace Plan, and measures to address transnational crimes, among others. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers underscored the 5PC as the main reference in addressing the situation in the country, particularly in promoting concrete and measurable progress in the 5PC’s implementation. The Secretary also committed to lead a humanitarian mission in Myanmar in the fourth quarter of this year, aimed at expanding access to areas in need of assistance. The proposed mission gained the support of all stakeholders. This meeting is significant as this is the first time that ASEAN Foreign Ministers had an in-person engagement with the Myanmar counterpart since 2021, as mandated by the Leaders during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu. The Special Envoy reiterated that Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN. On 13 July, the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar engaged with Myanmar ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), as well as representatives of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) to discuss the way forward on the inclusive national political dialogue between and among parties in Myanmar. All sides expressed openness to the dialogue process and emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and ensuring careful preparation of all parties involved.