Southeast Asia’s top diplomats continue efforts to bring lasting peace in Myanmar

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) foreign ministers on July 21, 2026 reaffirmed their commitment to advancing lasting peace in Myanmar as part of efforts to uphold regional peace, stability, and ASEAN Centrality.

In a press huddle following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and the Extended Informal Consultation (EIC), Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said ASEAN remains committed to engaging Myanmar and advancing the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus as the framework for restoring peace and stability in the country.

“Through these meetings, I am optimistic about our commitment to assist Myanmar in achieving a lasting solution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led, and one that ultimately will benefit the Myanmar peoples and the region as a whole,” Lazaro said.

Adopted by ASEAN in 2021, the Five-Point Consensus calls for the immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the appointment of a special envoy, and visits by the special envoy to Myanmar to facilitate dialogue among all stakeholders.

Lazaro said the discussions built on the outcomes of the informal consultations held in Bangkok, Thailand last week.

“During our successful meetings on Myanmar in Bangkok last week, the Extended Informal Consultation (EIC) we convened today continued our discussions on the way forward, including ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar and the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in the country,” she said.

Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of appointing a long-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to provide greater continuity in the regional bloc’s engagement, replacing the current arrangement under which the special envoy serves only a one-year term.

“I had focused discussions with my fellow Ministers on proposals that were raised in Bangkok. Some of these included an approach for ASEAN as to how it can assess progress in Myanmar, as well as the prospect of a long-term Special Envoy of ASEAN on Myanmar,” Lazaro said.

“The Foreign Ministers agreed that for these proposals to come to fruition, such would require the continuous deliberation of our Senior Officials as to how this may be integrated in the outcome documents,” she added.