Myanmar Foreign Minister meets ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy to discuss restoring Myanmar’s original role and rights within ASEAN and ASEAN Summit matters

Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe met with the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair for Myanmar, Philippine Foreign Secretary Ms. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, who is currently visiting Myanmar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw on the morning of October 29.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Myanmar and the Philippines in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also exchanged views on matters of mutual benefit to the peoples of both countries under the framework of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation mechanisms and expanding sectoral cooperation.

Under the ASEAN framework, the two sides discussed ways to restore Myanmar’s original role and rights within ASEAN, as well as matters relating to the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits.

In addition, the Union Minister briefed the Philippine Foreign Secretary on the Myanmar Government’s accelerated efforts to achieve its two priority objectives of ensuring peace and stability and promoting national development; its efforts to combat terrorism and achieve lasting peace; humanitarian assistance received from abroad; and the assistance and support provided to the people using the Government’s own resources. He also explained measures taken to assist and protect people both within the country and Myanmar nationals abroad.

The Union Minister also highlighted Myanmar’s full cooperation under the ASEAN framework as a responsible member state, as well as its implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in line with the Government’s forward-looking programmes and objectives, without compromising national interests and sovereignty.

The Philippine Foreign Secretary expressed her pleasure at having had the opportunity during her previous visit to Myanmar, in her capacity as the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, to observe humanitarian assistance delivery operations for people in need in Taunggyi, southern Shan State. She said that the findings and observations from her current visit would be presented at the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit. She also stated that she would continue working together to identify Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned approaches to restoring Myanmar’s original role and rights within ASEAN and to facilitate the provision of increased humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

Furthermore, the Philippine Foreign Secretary discussed cooperation between the two countries in combating cross-border crimes and promoting economic cooperation under the bilateral framework.

Following the meeting, the Union Minister hosted a luncheon for the delegation led by the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy for Myanmar and Philippine Foreign Secretary at the MGallery Sofitel Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.