ASEAN foreign ministers today reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus as the bloc’s only framework for resolving Myanmar’s political crisis, according to a press statement by the Philippine chair.
The statement, released after the conclusion of the retreat in Cebu, also warned that the recently completed elections in Myanmar alone cannot substitute for an end to violence and inclusive dialogue if the country is to normalize ties with the bloc. The ministers took note of the elections.
The ministers also said that meaningful political progress in Myanmar is impossible without peace, security, and the participation of all stakeholders.
The retreat also supported Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro as the ASEAN chair’s special envoy on Myanmar.
Furthermore, they discussed ways to strengthen continuity in the role, including consideration of a longer-term envoy mechanism.
They also reiterated that Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN but pointed out that any lasting solution must be Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led, with ASEAN playing a facilitating role.
ASEAN also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar through the bloc’s disaster response agency, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
In addition, the ministers pledged to expand aid without discrimination and to mobilize support from dialogue partners and the private sector.
Beyond the crisis in Myanmar, the ministers emphasized the Philippine chairmanship’s priorities related to peace and security, economic connectivity, and people-centered development.
They also stressed the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on the rules-based international order.
They reaffirmed commitments to maritime security and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and pledged to work toward concluding a substantive and effective code of conduct in the South China Sea by 2026.
According to the statement, the ministers also highlighted progress in combating transnational crime, including online scams and trafficking in persons, and welcomed recent regional and international cooperation initiatives.
ASEAN ministers also reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, nuclear non-proliferation, and humanitarian principles. They exchanged views on global challenges ranging from artificial intelligence to climate change, stressing that no country can address such risks alone.
