ASEAN Reaffirms Commitment to Myanmar Peace Process, Urges Ceasefire Extension

Malaysia Sun

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - At a meeting on Tuesday in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Myanmar in achieving a peaceful resolution to its protracted crisis, emphasizing the continued relevance of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the primary framework for dialogue.
In a joint statement, the bloc urged all parties in Myanmar to immediately halt violence against civilians and public infrastructure, while calling for restraint to ensure civilian safety. The leaders also stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access , urging warring factions to facilitate the transparent and efficient delivery of ASEAN aid to affected populations.
The statement comes as a truce agreement —initially brokered to allow disaster relief after a devastating March earthquake—was extended until May 31 . The earthquake, which killed over 3,800 people and displaced tens of thousands, had prompted rare cooperation between Myanmar's military and armed resistance groups. ASEAN now seeks a nationwide expansion of the ceasefire.
Adopted in April 2021 following the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, the Five-Point Consensus outlines steps to end violence, enable humanitarian aid, foster inclusive dialogue, appoint an ASEAN special envoy, and facilitate the envoy's engagement with all stakeholders. However, progress has stalled amid escalating conflict, with Myanmar's junta largely ignoring ASEAN's demands.
The bloc's statement reflects persistent frustrations over the lack of breakthroughs but underscores ASEAN's unwavering stance on a peaceful, negotiated solution.
Member countries of ASEAN, aside from Myanmar, comprise Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos.
The group was formed on 8 August 1967, when five leaders – the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – sat down together in the main hall of the Department of Foreign Affairs building in Bangkok, Thailand and signed a document. By virtue of that document, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was born.