PUBLISHED: 21 Dec 2024 at 04: 00
Representatives from Myanmar were not present at the lengthy informal discussion held yesterday in Bangkok during an Asian foreign ministers ‘ gathering.
The group, which included other Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( Asean ), aimed to implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC ) to address the situation in Myanmar and ensure a smooth transition between the current Asean chair and the one tasked with managing the crisis.
The Asean member states have reaffirmed their commitment to using the 5PC as a platform for addressing the Myanmar issue, according to Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director-General of the Asean Affairs Department, who told investigators.
Asean’s 5PC calling for an instant end to violence in Myanmar, dialogue among all events, the nomination of a particular minister, humanitarian aid from Asean, and a visit by a special envoy to meet all participants in the country.
Mr. Bolbongse acknowledged that the difficulty of Myanmar’s current circumstances makes it challenging to implement the discussion.
Additionally, discussions included the need to tackle the rise in international crime and cross-border issues brought on by Myanmar’s inside instability.
Mr. Bolbongse urged the gathering to stop hostility and violence between all involved parties, saying that this would serve as the foundation for an open dialogue that might lead to positive developments in Myanmar. This diverse dialogue received overwhelming support from all member states.
Discussions included possible modifications to the discussion to improve its performance.
But, as the conference was an informal discussion, no material decisions were made.
The discussion is still a crucial research for addressing the problems within the Asean framework, according to the meeting. According to Mr. Bolbongse, member state may consider adding more methods to the consensus.
Regarding the presence of Myanmar’s staff, he clarified that the offer to the conversation was extended by Laos, the latest Asean Chair.
” This was Laos ‘ prerogative”, he added.
When asked how Asean would present the consultation’s particulars to Myanmar, Mr Bolbongse said:” This casual appointment allowed for frank and candid conversations, where individuals could easily share their ideas.
It was advantageous for representative states to create their strategies for the problems, which will be discussed during the Asean Retreat in Malaysia at the end of January.
Myanmar may also take part in the future Asean Retreat, where they will be informed of all member state’s viewpoints and thoughts.
When asked about Malaysia’s possible appointment of a unique minister for the Myanmar issue, Mr. Bolbongse claimed Malaysia might make the announcement prior to the Asean Retreat.