Southeast Asia’s regional bloc, ASEAN, is set to hold a ministerial meeting in Thailand later this month to discuss the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, according to Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesperson, Roy Soemirat on Thursday (November 5).

Scheduled for December 20, the meeting initiated by Laos as the current ASEAN chairaims to explore solutions to the turmoil that has gripped Myanmar since the military coup of 2021. Discussions will focus on the implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus, a framework introduced in April 2021 to address the crisis but which has seen limited progress.

The junta in Myanmar has largely disregarded calls from its neighbors to halt hostilities and engage in dialogue. It continuing to battle a widespread rebellion that erupted following the coup.

During an ASEAN summit in October, the bloc emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of violence, humanitarian aid delivery, and a nationally led, inclusive dialogue process. Indonesia’s foreign minister is expected to participate in the upcoming talks.

BOB Post