Leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states are set to review the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, the regional bloc’s peace plan on the Myanmar crisis, during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings Nov. 15-17, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated on Friday.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson for ASEAN Affairs Dax Imperial did not directly answer when asked if ASEAN will issue a recommendation to accept Myanmar’s senior regime officials back to high-level summits and meetings, but said a decision will be reflected in a negotiated document after the ASEAN 49th Summit.
“We have indicated in previous engagements that this summit in particular will deal with the ASEAN leaders’ review and decision on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. So definitely, that’s part of the agenda of the ASEAN leaders for this summit,” he said in a press conference at the International Media Center in Manila on Nov. 13.
In 2021, the ASEAN leaders limited Myanmar’s participation in high-level summits and meetings to non-political representatives after the military coup earlier that year.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told AFP that there is currently a “desire on the part of Myanmar to engage, to return to ASEAN.”
The leaders of the bloc are attending the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by its Foreign Ministry director-general for ASEAN Affairs.
PNA
