Bangkok: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has convened a series of diplomatic meetings in Thailand to discuss the ongoing crisis and peace process in Myanmar, stressing ASEAN's readiness to support a peaceful solution.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro said she chaired an informal meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers alongside her Myanmar counterpart, U Tin Maung Swe. "We listened to Myanmar's briefing and shared views on how Myanmar may advance the cessation of violence, facilitation of constructive dialogue, expansion of humanitarian assistance, and concrete cooperation to address transnational crimes in Myanmar," Lazaro said.
Before the informal ASEAN assembly, Lazaro held a separate bilateral meeting with U Tin Maung Swe in Bangkok. She characterized the meeting as a "candid exchange of views" covering Philippine-Myanmar bilateral relations, ASEAN's engagement with the country, as well as Myanmar's progress regarding humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, and halting domestic violence.
Expanding engagement beyond state officials, Lazaro also traveled to Chon Buri Province, Thailand, to meet with Myanmar's ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). The meeting was organized in collaboration with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. "I had constructive discussions with them, particularly on how ASEAN may assist in facilitating dialogue and delivering humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with the end in view of communicating these proposals to key actors in and out of Myanmar," she said.
In tandem with the EAO talks, Lazaro met with a representative from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee to assess how the current government envisions the trajectory of the peace process. She reiterated the regional bloc's firm commitment to helping resolve the conflict while respecting local sovereignty. "On both occasions, I expressed ASEAN's readiness to play a constructive role towards finding a peaceful and lasting solution which is Myanmar-owned and -led," she added.
