Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN leaders have called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar as an initial step towards the cessation of violence in the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a joint statement issued after the 46th ASEAN Summit in the Malaysian capital, the call is aimed at creating a safe and conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need and establishing an inclusive national dialogue, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus.
The statement urged all parties to immediately cease acts of violence against civilians and public facilities. It called for concrete action to halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint, and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians.
In this regard, the leaders noted their appreciation for the declaration of three consecutive temporary ceasefires by the authority in Myanmar and other unilateral ceasefires by relevant stakeholders.
ASEAN leaders expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar, further exacerbated by the impact of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28, 2025.
They urged all parties to ensure the safe, timely, effective, and transparent delivery of ASEAN humanitarian assistance without discrimination, based on the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) Rapid Needs Assessment Report and the Joint Needs Assessment by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
The leaders emphasized the importance of carrying out these efforts with the continued support of relevant stakeholders in Myanmar and, where necessary, through cross-border initiatives.
The statement encouraged all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust towards convening an inclusive national dialogue, aiming for a durable peaceful resolution to the crisis that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.
ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their continued support for the work of the ASEAN Chair, including through the Special Envoy, in the full and effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in its entirety. This aims to restore peace, stability, and democracy through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political solution, in the interest and well-being of the people of Myanmar.
They acknowledged the continued support from the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN) for ASEAN in implementing the 5PC, as it remains critical in helping the people of Myanmar achieve peaceful and durable solutions through inclusive national dialogue.
The leaders committed to enhancing cooperation among ASEAN member states and between the regional bloc and its external partners, neighboring countries of Myanmar, and the UN to support ASEAN efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar and its wider impacts, including the rise of transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scams.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship on May 26 and 27, adopted the Chairmanship's theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements - the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit - were convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.