(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA, Philippines – Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to review the implementation of the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and determine their next steps in addressing the country’s ongoing political crisis during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings this weekend.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson for ASEAN Affairs Dax Imperial confirmed Friday, November 13, that the Myanmar situation will be among the key issues discussed by regional leaders during the summit in Pasay City.
Imperial said the leaders will assess progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus, ASEAN’s peace framework adopted in 2021 to address the crisis following Myanmar’s military takeover.
“We have indicated in previous engagements that this summit in particular will deal with the ASEAN leaders’ review and decision on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. So definitely, that’s part of the agenda of the ASEAN leaders for this summit,” Imperial said during a press briefing at the International Media Center.
When asked whether ASEAN would recommend restoring Myanmar’s political leadership to the bloc’s high-level meetings, Imperial did not provide a direct answer.
Instead, he said any decision reached by ASEAN leaders would be reflected in a negotiated document following their discussions.
Myanmar’s participation in ASEAN meetings has been restricted since 2021, when the country’s military seized power and detained civilian leaders, triggering widespread protests and armed resistance.
ASEAN subsequently limited Myanmar’s representation at high-level meetings to non-political officials amid concerns over the military government’s failure to implement the Five-Point Consensus.
The peace framework calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian assistance and a visit by the envoy to meet relevant stakeholders.
Despite the agreement, Myanmar has continued to experience armed conflict, political instability and a worsening humanitarian situation.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow earlier indicated that Myanmar had expressed interest in reengaging with ASEAN and restoring its participation in regional discussions.
However, the question of whether Myanmar’s political leadership should be allowed to return to ASEAN’s high-level meetings remains unresolved.
For the upcoming summit, Myanmar will be represented by its Foreign Ministry director-general for ASEAN Affairs rather than its political leadership.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, scheduled from November 15 to 17, will bring together Southeast Asian leaders and dialogue partners to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and other shared concerns.
The Philippines, as ASEAN chair for 2026, will oversee discussions on Myanmar as the regional bloc considers its next steps toward implementing the peace agreement.
