PUBLISHED: 16 Dec 2024 at 11:47
Thailand is set to host two pivotal regional meetings this week concerning Myanmar, which will include the participation of junta representatives. This announcement follows Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to reintegrate Myanmar into the ASEAN dialogue, aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis stemming from the 2021 military coup.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will lead separate consultations on Thursday and Friday, following Thailand’s initiative to facilitate informal negotiations aimed at resolving the turmoil in Myanmar.
Myanmar delegates are expected to attend the Thursday meeting focused on border security and transnational crime, alongside representatives from neighboring countries including China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand.
The Friday meeting will gather foreign ministers from ASEAN member states to discuss the “Five Point Consensus” plan for restoring peace in Myanmar. However, it remains uncertain whether Myanmar will be represented and at what level during this discussion.
Since the coup, ASEAN has restricted Myanmar’s military leaders from participating fully in regional meetings, only allowing non-political representatives from the country to join.
Prime Minister Anwar, set to chair ASEAN in 2025, reiterated his dedication to advancing the peace initiative, which has struggled to make tangible progress since its introduction in April 2021. “We are conducting informal dialogues at various levels to secure Myanmar’s involvement and reestablish its status within ASEAN,” he stated during a recent press conference.
Indonesia has confirmed its foreign minister’s attendance at the Friday gathering.
Myanmar has been engulfed in chaos since the 2021 military coup triggered widespread rebellion and civil conflict, affecting its population of 55 million. At a recent summit, ASEAN called for an “immediate cessation” of violence and emphasized the necessity for a supportive environment for humanitarian aid, along with an inclusive national dialogue led by Myanmar.
