5-3-2024 (VIENTIANE) In a noteworthy development, a high-ranking official from Myanmar’s military government participated in a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) defence ministers in Laos on Tuesday. This occurrence is being viewed as an indication of the junta’s willingness to engage in collaboration with the regional bloc.
This marked the second instance this year where Myanmar has taken part in a significant Asean meeting. Following the military coup in February 2021, the junta had previously abstained from Asean ministerial gatherings after a decision in October 2021 to permit only a non-political representative from Myanmar to attend.
The Myanmar representative at the annual defence ministers’ meeting on Tuesday was identified as Zaw Naing Win, the Director-General of the Defence Ministry’s International Affairs Department, according to diplomatic sources.
In late January, a senior official from Myanmar’s military government engaged in talks with foreign ministers of other Asean member nations in Luang Prabang, where they endorsed Thailand’s initiative to establish a humanitarian corridor aimed at providing assistance to civilians displaced by Myanmar’s escalating civil conflict.
Thai Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang expressed to Kyodo News that Myanmar’s involvement in Tuesday’s meeting could be beneficial for the people of Myanmar and all concerned parties. He stated, “It will narrow the distance” concerning consensus building for the implementation of a peace plan for Myanmar, agreed upon by Myanmar and other Asean nations in April 2021.
Asean comprises Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The junta’s active participation in Asean meetings suggests a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics and a willingness to engage constructively with regional partners.
