Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for respect of ASEAN's fundamental principles

Myanmar will continue to cooperate with ASEAN to the extent possible, and in discussions and implementation of ASEAN's 'Five-Point Consensus,' the fundamental principles of ASEAN, such as respect for the sovereignty of member states and non-interference in internal affairs, should be respected, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar announced on July 23. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an ASEAN Leaders' Meeting was held on April 24, 2021, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, where ASEAN leaders discussed and made recommendations regarding the developments in Myanmar. In response to the meeting, Myanmar noted that some of the recommendations from ASEAN member states were positive and would be considered based on the country's domestic situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Myanmar is prioritizing the establishment of the rule of law and stability, and therefore, recommendations will be considered with importance based on national interests. Furthermore, it was conveyed that if the recommendations are helpful in implementing the government's 'Five-Point Roadmap' and are based on the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Way, and the ASEAN Spirit, they will be considered positively. Following the meeting, ASEAN's 'Five-Point Consensus' was issued as an addendum to the statement of the ASEAN rotating chair. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that this 'Five-Point Consensus' deviated from ASEAN's practices and was included as an addendum to the chair's statement without prior consultation or coordination with member states, especially the directly concerned party, Myanmar. Therefore, it was not issued with the consensus of all member states. The Ministry stated that Myanmar's position regarding this statement was published in state-owned newspapers on April 27, 2021. Myanmar has cooperated as much as possible with the recommendations and appeals of ASEAN countries and the aforementioned 'Five-Point Consensus,' based on its national interests and in the spirit of the ASEAN family. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement noted that the 'Five-Point Roadmap' adopted during the previous State Administration Council era is interconnected with ASEAN's 'Five-Point Consensus,' and therefore, while implementing the 'Five-Point Roadmap,' Myanmar has also cooperated as much as possible regarding ASEAN's 'Five-Point Consensus' without compromising its national interests and sovereignty. After the successful holding of elections in Myanmar and the establishment of a parliament, a motion of urgency was adopted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on July 9, 2026, stating, "The ASEAN Five-Point Consensus is inconsistent with ASEAN's fundamental principles and does not align with Myanmar's current political realities, therefore, the Union Government is urged to review and act as necessary." On July 12, 2026, an informal meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers was held in Bangkok, Thailand, attended by a Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister U Than Swe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At this informal meeting, the Union Minister stated, "Myanmar will continue to strive to normalize and develop relations with ASEAN based on its actual situation, prioritizing national interests and sovereignty, through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led approach." He further explained, "Regarding the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, as the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has adopted a motion of urgency, our government has a responsibility to respect and implement appropriate measures in accordance with this decision, as it is a decision of the parliament elected by the will of the people. We will work to restore normal relations with ASEAN by cooperating as much as possible within the ASEAN framework." The statement further elaborated that Myanmar will enhance cooperation with neighboring countries, friendly nations, and the international community, including ASEAN member states, in accordance with the country's foreign policy and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence enshrined in the 2008 Constitution. Myanmar will always prioritize national interests and sovereignty and continue to maintain constructive and beneficial cooperation with ASEAN. In discussions and implementation of ASEAN's 'Five-Point Consensus,' ASEAN member states should respect the fundamental principles of ASEAN as stipulated in the ASEAN Charter, namely respect for the sovereignty of member states and non-interference in internal affairs. Myanmar will continue to cooperate with ASEAN to the extent possible, based on its actual situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.