Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s acting president and chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Parreno Lazaro, the ASEAN chair’s special representative to Myanmar, at the National Defence and Security Council Office on Tuesday (January 6), according to official statements.

The talks focused on Myanmar’s engagement with ASEAN and bilateral relations with the Philippines, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen diplomatic, political, and economic cooperation. The junta chief reiterated Myanmar’s intention to enhance cooperation within the regional bloc “to the best of its ability,” officials said.

Discussions also centred on the military government’s narrative surrounding the 2020 general election, which it claims was marred by widespread voter fraud. The junta seized power in February 2021 after overturning the election results, a move widely rejected by the international community. During the meeting, Min Aung Hlaing defended the military’s actions, describing them as necessary to prevent what he termed an unconstitutional transfer of power.

Myanmar’s ongoing political roadmap and preparations for what the junta describes as “free and fair” elections were also reviewed. Officials highlighted the completion of the first phase of voting on December 25, 2025, along with efforts to verify voter lists and plans to conduct second and third phases of the election in remaining townships, subject to security conditions.

According to an Asia News Network report, the military administration has sought to use the phased elections and limited international observation as evidence of political normalization, despite continued fighting with ethnic armed groups and resistance forces in large parts of the country. ANN noted that ASEAN members remain divided over engagement with Myanmar’s junta, particularly in the absence of tangible progress on the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus.

The meeting also addressed the participation of international election observers during Phase 1, including representatives from the Philippines. Myanmar officials said Manila had provided “positive feedback” on the electoral process, though independent monitoring bodies have questioned the credibility and inclusiveness of the polls.

Those attending the meeting included General Ye Win Oo, secretary of the National Security and Peace Commission; Union Foreign Minister Than Swe; Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Minister Dr. Soe Win; senior Philippine officials; and representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar.

ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s top military leaders from attending high-level summits since the 2021 coup, citing the junta’s failure to implement agreed peace measures. However, special envoys continue to engage with Nay Pyi Taw as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the crisis.

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