Kuala lumpur: As the incoming ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will continue to push for efforts to help Myanmar find a peaceful and durable solution to its ongoing crisis. Describing the situation in Myanmar as 'a wound in ASEAN's side that has yet to heal,' President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed that the bloc must maintain close attention to the issue and emphasised that its fundamental approach should remain one of engagement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the importance of engaging all stakeholders in Myanmar to address the situation effectively. In an exclusive interview with Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Marcos noted the necessity of continued dialogue and finding new ways forward during the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship. Marcos expressed his desire for Myanmar's political leaders to participate in the ASEAN Summit next year, reflecting his optimistic outlook on the situation.

Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U Hau Khan Sum, was present at the summit held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Marcos acknowledged the limitations of ASEAN's influence in Myanmar but emphasized the significance of ongoing engagement and guidance for all involved parties. He stressed that ASEAN cannot close its doors but must continue to involve not only the government and bureaucracy but also opposition parties.

Marcos admitted that progress in Myanmar has been slow in recent years but noted encouraging developments. He expressed optimism that sustained efforts would lead to improvements and stressed the importance of not halting efforts to address the crisis.

At a media conference following the 47th ASEAN Summit's closing ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remarked that the situation in Myanmar is 'better than before,' though he acknowledged ongoing attacks. The ASEAN 2025 Chair highlighted the bloc's continued efforts, including meetings and dialogues with Myanmar's leaders, which have contributed to a reduction in violence across several regions.

Myanmar has faced a prolonged political and humanitarian crisis since the military ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government on February 1, 2021. In April of the same year, ASEAN leaders adopted the Five Point Consensus, calling for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among stakeholders, and humanitarian aid assessment.

In a recent statement, ASEAN Foreign Ministers urged the full implementation of the Five Point Consensus to achieve an inclusive and durable peace process. They also emphasized the importance of free, fair, peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible general elections, as Myanmar plans to hold elections in December this year.