ASEAN Foreign Ministers hold an informal meeting with Myanmar

The Philippines gathered 10 Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Bangkok for an informal meeting with their counterpart in Myanmar to resolve the five-year-old political crisis in the junta-ruled stat

Myanmars’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary U Hau Khan Sum with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu last May 2026. Official handout.

Manuel Mogato | July 12, 2026

MANILA — The Philippines gathered 10 Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Bangkok for an informal meeting with their counterpart in Myanmar to resolve the five-year-old political crisis in the junta-ruled state.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, who chairs the regional bloc, will convene an informal meeting with Myanmar’s foreign minister, U Tin Maung Swe, in Thailand.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkow has agreed to host the informal meeting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said this will be the first time ASEAN has held an in-person engagement with Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.

The informal meeting comes after ASEAN Leaders tasked the foreign ministers “to continue discussions on how ASEAN may continue constructive and principled engagement with Myanmar.”

The leaders also reminded the foreign ministers to stay “true to the principles of the Five-Point Consensus.”

ASEAN has said Myanmar remains an integral part of the ASEAN Family.

During the informal meeting, the ASEAN foreign ministers will listen to a briefing from U Tin Maung Swe on developments in Myanmar.

They are expected to exchange views on ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar, as well as on possible concrete steps Myanmar may take to address concerns on the cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among concerned parties, and humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, as indicated in the Five-Point Consensus.

ASEAN, during a leaders’ summit in Cebu in May, took note of some positive developments in Myanmar, including the release of some political prisoners.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also transferred to house arrest from detention after national elections were held.

However, ASEAN did not recognize the elections.