ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus and discussed practical steps to advance peace, humanitarian assistance, and dialogue in Myanmar.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan attended the Informal Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers with Myanmar and the Extended Informal Consultation on Myanmar in Bangkok, Thailand, on 12 July 2026. Hosted by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the meeting brought together ASEAN foreign ministers and senior representatives to review progress on the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and discuss future engagement with Myanmar.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, in her capacity as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. Participants held frank and constructive discussions on promoting peace, stability, and the well-being of the people of Myanmar while reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue and consensus-building.
During a doorstop interview following the meeting, Dr Balakrishnan underscored ASEAN’s continued commitment to the Five-Point Consensus. “The most important point was that we all reaffirmed the central importance of the Five-Point Consensus – it was and it remains valid,” he said.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that ASEAN sought demonstrable progress in three priority areas: the permanent cessation of violence, particularly against civilians; the release of all political detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) across Myanmar, regardless of political affiliation.
Responding to questions on ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar, Dr Balakrishnan stressed the importance of maintaining inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. “ASEAN wants to engage across the board, widely and in an inclusive manner,” he said, noting that engagement extended to the military authorities, ethnic armed organisations, and the People’s Defence Force.
The meeting marked the beginning of an ongoing consultative process, with ASEAN leaders expected to continue discussions at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. ASEAN reaffirmed its shared objective of supporting Myanmar’s efforts towards peace and stability through dialogue, confidence-building, and the practical implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
