ASEAN to discuss engagement with Myanmar at special meeting, Philippines says

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to convene a special meeting in Bangkok on July 12 to discuss their engagement with Myanmar. The Philippines, as the current chair of the 11-member bloc, will lead the gathering. This marks the first in-person meeting with Myanmar's top diplomat since the country's military seized power in a 2021 coup, leading to widespread conflict and Myanmar's exclusion from high-level ASEAN summits. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which has resulted in an estimated 100,000 deaths and millions displaced, will be a central topic. The military, accused of widespread atrocities which it denies, now governs through a nominally civilian administration led by former junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. The meeting aims to foster an exchange of views on ASEAN's engagement with Myanmar and explore concrete steps toward de-escalation. Key areas for discussion include the cessation of violence, promoting constructive dialogue among all parties, and providing humanitarian assistance. Myanmar's leadership is reportedly seeking to end the current impasse with ASEAN, with Min Aung Hlaing having recently made his first state visit to an ASEAN member country. However, normalizing relations faces potential challenges. A motion within Myanmar's military-aligned Parliament suggests a review and challenge to ASEAN's peace plan, deeming it interference in internal affairs and a violation of the bloc's core principles. Lawmakers reportedly supported a resolution urging the government to reassess ASEAN's position following recent political developments and the formation of a new government.

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They are expected to exchange views on ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar, as well as on possible concrete steps in which Myanmar may address concerns on the cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among concerned parties, and humanitarian assistance.