Myanmar ambassador attends Philippine Foreign Minister’s security lecture in Austria

The Myanmar Ambassador to Austria attended a lecture on regional and international security as well as ASEAN affairs delivered by Maria Theresa Parreño Lazaro, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, during her official visit to the Austria, according to a statement released by Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was held on February 11 at the Raiffeisen Forum in Vienna and was jointly organized by the Philippine Embassy and the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES). Heads of ASEAN missions and other diplomatic representatives based in Vienna also attended.

During the briefing, Lazaro outlined the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026, regional and international security issues, Philippines–Austria relations, and ongoing efforts to conclude a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union. She also highlighted accelerated negotiations aimed at finalizing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by 2026.

In her capacity as the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, Lazaro discussed her visit to Myanmar in January 2026, during which she met with the country’s Acting President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. She also referred to discussions held at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and shared ASEAN’s views on Myanmar’s recently concluded general election. She emphasized the need to continue monitoring post-election developments in the country.

Separately, on February 12, Myanmar Ambassador U Min Thein attended a luncheon hosted by the Philippine Ambassador in honor of the visiting foreign minister at the Park Hyatt Vienna.

At the luncheon, the Myanmar Ambassador highlighted the activities of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna to promote ASEAN’s image, Myanmar’s roadmap including the successful holding of a free and fair multiparty general election, plans to convene parliamentary sessions in the third week of March, and the forthcoming transfer of state responsibilities to the newly elected government. He also expressed full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship and underscored the importance of the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy maintaining balanced and constructive engagement on Myanmar.