DFA Chief Theresa Lazaro met with Myanmar junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw as the first official ASEAN chair visit. The political situation, controversial elections, and the long-delayed ASEAN peace plan were discussed.
This is the first step of the Philippines in responding to the Myanmar crisis as the current ASEAN chair. According to the DFA, they had a "warm and constructive exchange" on geopolitical developments, elections, and ASEAN's five-point consensus for peace.
The Myanmar state-run news agency said that democratic rights, economic cooperation, and how to strengthen Myanmar's cooperation with ASEAN were also discussed. However, the United Nations and human rights groups condemned the election as a sham, while Aung San Suu Kyi remained in detention.
As ASEAN special envoy, Lazaro said the Philippines will continue to advance the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, which includes: ceasefire, constructive dialogue, appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance, and a visit to Myanmar to meet with all parties.
Two more rounds of elections in Myanmar are scheduled this January, as the implementation of the peace framework continues to be a challenge due to the junta's reneging on its commitments.
