ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn meets Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Aung Myo Myint, at the ASEAN Secretariat to discuss community-building, regional integration, and international issues. (ASEAN NEWSROOM)
On April 21, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Aung Myo Myint, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The meeting focused on ASEAN community-building, regional integration, and current international developments, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to strengthening cooperation within the ASEAN framework.
Almost simultaneously, on 21-22 April 2026, the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conducted a diplomatic visit to Myanmar, where they paid courtesy calls on President Min Aung Hlaing and Vice President U Nyo Saw.
The meetings focused on strengthening community-level projects, including infrastructure upgrades and social programs aimed at improving livelihoods. Authorities emphasised the importance of aligning local initiatives with national priorities to ensure balanced growth across regions.
Thailand’s Public Relations Department also highlighted ASEAN’s ongoing initiatives, underscoring Bangkok’s role in supporting Myanmar’s development. Furthermore, Thailand also aimed to foster rehabilitation efforts, democratic consolidation and the peacemaking process. Officials highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing shared challenges, including security, agriculture, trade, and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s government statements emphasised infrastructure and social welfare programs aimed at strengthening local communities, as well as cultural and health cooperation initiatives designed to complement ASEAN’s broader agenda.
These developments come as ASEAN decided to engage with Myanmar amid ongoing reputational risk that comes with liaising with the current regime—who took power through a coup in 2021. While the bloc maintains dialogue with Naypyidaw, it faces pressure to uphold credibility on democracy and human rights.
Myanmar was primarily concerned by the Five Point Consensus (5PC) that was agreed at the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in Jakarta on 24 April 2021, following the military coup on 1 February 2021. It was primarily meant to be a roadmap for peace and dialogue, but full adherence to the points would impede Myanmar government’s capabilities to entrench power.
Therefore, despite commitments, violence has continued to erupt in multiple regions. Furthermore, the junta has restricted ASEAN’s access, arguing that it was a form of intervention in domestic politics.On the other hand, ASEAN also faces immense criticism for a lack of credibility to enforce its values and principles to resolve the existing problems in Myanmar.
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