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ASEAN backs ‘Myanmar-owned’ solution to crisis
ASEAN foreign ministers backed efforts by the new special envoy appointed by Laos and expressed confidence in his resolve to “find a Myanmar-owned and led solution” toward peace and unity.
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(From left) Myanmar Permanent secretary Marlar Than Htike, Undersecretary Philippine Som leader Theresa P. Lazaro, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Thailand's Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Vietnam's Foreign Minister But Thanh Son, Laos' Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Malaysia's Foreign Mohamad Hasan, Brunei's Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof, Cambodia's Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, East Timor's Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas and ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn pose on Jan. 29, 2024, for a group photo during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Luang Prabang, Laos. (AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)
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SEAN remained united in its commitment to a regional peace plan to end the crisis in Myanmar, chair Laos said after a day-long meeting with Southeast Asia’s top diplomats on Monday which featured a representative from Naypyidaw for the first time in two years.
Myanmar broke its long streak of absence from ASEAN meetings during the first high-level assembly held under the leadership of Laos, sending senior foreign ministry bureaucrat Marlar Than Htike to join closed-door talks to hash out the region’s high priority agendas.
Her presence follows an opening salvo by senior Laotian diplomat Alounkeo Kittikhoun, who visited Myanmar to meet with junta leaders earlier this month.
In a statement after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Retreat, the ministers reiterated their commitment to assisting Myanmar find a “durable solution to the ongoing crisis”, noting its importance to the region.
They also supported efforts by Kittikhoun, the new special envoy appointed by Laos, and expressed confidence in his resolve to “find a Myanmar-owned and led solution” toward peace and unity.
Held in the historical city of Luang Prabang, the ministerial meeting comes only days before the third anniversary of the military putsch that overthrew Myanmar’s democratic government.
After the assembly, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi insisted that Myanmar’s attendance was not indicative of any changes in ASEAN policy.
