President Marcos says the Philippines will continue ASEAN engagement with Myanmar to help find a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines will continue pushing for efforts to help Myanmar find a peaceful and durable solution to its ongoing crisis during its upcoming ASEAN chairmanship.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described the situation in Myanmar as a wound in ASEAN’s side that has yet to heal.
He stressed that the bloc must maintain close attention to the issue and emphasised that its fundamental approach should remain one of engagement.
Marcos expressed pain at watching Myanmar go through the agony of what is essentially a civil war.
He stated that ASEAN must therefore continue to engage all stakeholders and find new ways forward to address the situation.
The Philippine president confirmed this engagement approach is what his country intends to do during its ASEAN chairmanship.
Marcos was in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits which concluded on Tuesday.
When asked whether Myanmar’s political leaders would attend next year’s ASEAN Summit under Philippine chairmanship, he expressed optimism about that possibility.
The president stated he would like to see Myanmar’s participation very much as he considers himself an optimist at heart.
Myanmar’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Hau Khan Sum attended the recent summit held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28.
Marcos acknowledged there is a limit to what ASEAN can do in Myanmar but stressed the importance of continued engagement.
He emphasised that ASEAN cannot close its doors or stop listening to whoever is in Myanmar.
The Philippine leader said engagement must include all stakeholders beyond just the government and bureaucracy.
He specifically mentioned the importance of engaging opposition parties in Myanmar as well.
Marcos identified full reintegration of Myanmar into ASEAN as the best outcome for the country’s economy and people.
He admitted that progress in Myanmar has been somewhat slow in recent years.
The president noted that recent developments have nevertheless been encouraging.
He expressed happiness at seeing some progress in the past year regarding the Myanmar situation.
Marcos maintained his optimism that continuing down the current road will improve the situation further.
He stressed that ASEAN cannot stop its engagement efforts with Myanmar.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim noted at a media conference that Myanmar’s current situation is better than before.
Anwar acknowledged that some attacks are still taking place in Myanmar despite improvements.
The ASEAN 2025 Chair said the bloc’s ongoing efforts have helped reduce violent incidents across several regions.
Myanmar has been embroiled in a protracted political and humanitarian crisis since February 2021.
ASEAN leaders adopted the Five Point Consensus in April 2021 calling for immediate cessation of violence.
The consensus also emphasised constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to restore peace and stability.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers recently urged all parties to fully implement the Five Point Consensus.
The ministers stressed the importance of free, fair, and credible general elections in Myanmar. – Bernama
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