Leaders of the Southeast Asian bloc sought practical discussions regarding Myanmar during a summit in Manila, according to Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The regional grouping has maintained engagement with Myanmar despite internal ethnic tensions following the 2021 military coup.
Marcos stated that Myanmar remains an integral part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The military takeover in 2021 ousted the elected government of the National League for Democracy.
After the coup, the bloc barred Myanmar leaders from attending its annual summits. Senior foreign ministry officials have represented the country at these regional gatherings instead.
Marcos addressed his 10 counterparts during closed-door conversations in the Philippine capital. Leaders agreed to continue constructive and principled engagement while adhering to the five-point consensus.
Marcos questioned what more the bloc could do for the nation. He emphasized that the crisis involves displaced families, communities needing aid, and young people whose futures face disruption from conflict.
Myanmar is part of the Asian ASEAN family rather than merely an agenda item, Marcos told the assembly. He expressed hope that the session would lead to practical discussions on advancing the five-point consensus.
The goal is to make regional efforts more responsive to ground realities while supporting a peaceful and inclusive, Myanmar-owned process. Under the consensus, the bloc delivers humanitarian aid through its Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.
A special envoy was also assigned to visit Myanmar and meet with all concerned parties. Alongside the post-coup conflict, Myanmar’s military has forced out over a million native Rohingya community members since 2017, a matter expected to come under regional deliberation.
The Philippines is hosting the 49th summit and related meetings in Manila. The three-day gathering concludes with the Philippines handing over the rotating chair to Singapore.
The bloc also scheduled separate summits with China, Japan, Australia, India, South Korea, and the United States during the meetings. US President Donald Trump was expected to arrive for the final day.
Founded in 1967, ASEAN includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste among its eleven members.
