ASEAN confirms to continue holding onto the 5-Point Consensus for Myanmar's affairs

ASEAN has reaffirmed that it will continue to implement the Five-Point Consensus (Five-Point Consensus) for the promotion of stability and peace in Myanmar, Thai PBS reported after an informal meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Myanmar military junta held in Bangkok on July 13. This meeting was the first face-to-face meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Foreign Minister of the Myanmar military junta since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021. Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro, the current ASEAN chair, said that although this meeting was not an official ASEAN meeting, it was the first step in continued dialogue with Myanmar. She also said that ASEAN expects Myanmar to achieve practical and measurable progress on the key points of the Five-Point Consensus. The Five-Point Consensus, drawn up to resolve the political crisis in Myanmar after the 2021 military coup, includes: - Immediate cessation of violence. - Constructive dialogue involving all parties concerned. - Appointment of an ASEAN Special Envoy. - Provision of humanitarian assistance. - The Special Envoy to have access to all parties concerned. Lazaro also said that the Philippines plans to conduct a humanitarian mission in Myanmar in the second half of this year and aims to expand aid efforts. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the discussions were open, honest, and constructive. Regarding the cessation of violence, he said that Thailand is ready to facilitate dialogue between Naypyidaw and ethnic armed organizations, especially those along the Thai-Myanmar border. When reporters asked about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak said that the Myanmar military junta's Foreign Minister stated that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health and receiving the necessary care. He also said that ASEAN commented that it would be better if the ASEAN Special Envoy could meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as it would allow confirmation of the Myanmar military junta's Foreign Minister's statements. Sihasak said that the results of this meeting will be further discussed at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be held next week and at the ASEAN Summit later this year. He said, "We realistically understand that this problem cannot be solved overnight. We want to see step-by-step progress, and we have clearly set out what we expect in the future."