ASEAN Leaders Seek Myanmar Peace Progress Amid Conflict

ASEAN, under Malaysia's chairmanship led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is intensifying efforts to resolve Myanmar's ongoing conflict through quiet engagement and direct dialogue with all parties involved. Anwar highlighted the progress made by forming an Informal Advisory Group and initiating separate talks with Myanmar's military junta and opposition National Unity Government, marking unprecedented steps toward peace. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers are considering appointing a permanent special envoy on Myanmar to ensure continuity in addressing the crisis, while the bloc also emphasizes the importance of a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid as outlined in the Five-Point Consensus adopted after the 2021 military coup. Despite Myanmar's junta being excluded from the ASEAN summit, there is a renewed hope for dialogue, supported by ASEAN members advocating multiple channels of engagement including military and diplomatic efforts. Myanmar's military leadership stresses unity and development through a federal system and education, signaling some alignment with ASEAN's peace ambitions. Overall, ASEAN aims to build fragile yet vital bridges to prevent further conflict escalation and foster stability in the region.