Asean foreign ministers renewed pressure on Myanmar to advance the bloc's Five-Point Consensus (5PC), with the…

Frank talks with FM at meeting in capital

Asean foreign ministers renewed pressure on Myanmar to advance the bloc's Five-Point Consensus (5PC), with the detention of political prisoners, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, remaining a concern during talks in Bangkok.

The issue was raised during an informal meeting between Asean foreign ministers and Myanmar's foreign minister, the first such in-person engagement since 2021.

The Asean ministers used the meeting to press Myanmar for measurable progress on reducing the violence, expanding humanitarian access and advancing political dialogue, while reaffirming that the 5PC, a roadmap for peace in Myanmar, remains Asean's primary framework.

Theresa P Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, who chaired the meeting on Sunday, said Asean ministers welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with Myanmar but said dialogue must be accompanied by action.

She said Asean had called for "actions towards the cessation of hostilities, especially against civilians and civilian infrastructure", while also urging positive developments concerning Aung San Suu Kyi as an important element of a constructive and inclusive national political dialogue.

Ms Lazaro said Asean ministers had taken note of steps reported by Myanmar, including prisoner releases and the transfer of Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence.

However, Ms Lazaro said further progress was still needed in three key areas: ending the violence, promoting inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders and improving humanitarian access.

The meeting also addressed transnational issues affecting the region, including online scams, human trafficking and illicit drug trafficking, which Myanmar said it was working to combat.

Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow described the discussions as frank and constructive, and defended Asean's approach of "calibrated engagement" with Myanmar.

Mr Sihasak said engagement was intended to help implement, rather than replace, the 5PC.

"We clearly spelt out what our expectations are going forward," he said, outlining five priorities: expanding humanitarian assistance, reducing violence against civilians, promoting inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, encouraging national reconciliation and creating a more conducive political environment through the further release of political prisoners and positive developments regarding Aung San Suu Kyi.

He said Asean was not abandoning its principles during the meeting, but was seeking a practical strategy to achieve them.

"This is but the first step; we have to continue to build upon this process of engagement. It is not a one-off event," Mr Sihasak said.

Addressing questions about Aung San Suu Kyi's welfare, Ms Lazaro said Myanmar had assured the Asean ministers she was in good health and receiving appropriate care.

Nevertheless, Asean proposed that the special envoy, Ms Lazaro, be granted an opportunity to meet Aung San Suu Kyi directly.

Mr Sihasak said such access would allow Asean to independently verify Myanmar's assurances regarding her health condition.

The former Myanmar leader was last seen in public during a brief court appearance on May 24, 2021.

While no timeline was set for evaluating Myanmar's progress, Asean ministers indicated that developments would be reviewed ahead of the next Asean summit.