Jakarta - During the retreat of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cebu, Philippines on 8 May 2026, Myanmar issue was talked, ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hour said in a briefing on Monday, 11 May 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta.
Secretary General explained that during the retreat as part of 48th ASEAN Summit, leaders discussed a lot about the situation in Myanmar, particularly post general election and the establishment of a new government this year.
"The leaders agreed that, in general, they will continue with the Five-Point Consensus . But, the question is again, what practical approach to take?" Dr. Kao Kim Hour said, adding that he believed practical measures to be discussed by ASEAN member states.
In order to find practical approach, ASEAN leaders tasked foreign ministers to talk to their Myanmar counterpart, the Secretary General explained further.
He said the discussion between other ASEAN countries foreign ministers and Myanmar foreign minister can be held virtual, so they will get clear vision from military-backed government on what's happening in the country.
Military coup took place on 1 February 2021 following democratic election, in which pro-democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi won. The coup arrested all pro-democracy activists, politicians, and supporters, including the Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi since.
ASEAN moved faster and held a meeting about Myanmar situation, resulting agreement between ASEAN member states and Myanmar to implement what so-called Five-Point Consensus, a peace plan to address the crisis in that country, adopted in April 2021.
"I think at the level of ASEAN Foreign Ministers will engage with Myanmar Foreign Minister, when they have their discussion, there is a need to have a virtual meeting in order to listen to what is happening, to get a virtual meeting in order to listen to what is happening, to get a vision from Myanmar," Dr. Kao said.
The Cambodian diplomat further said that after getting Myanmar's perspective, later another perspective from opposite side as well as views from ASEAN member states' embassies in the country.
