ASEAN Exploring Re-engagement with Myanmar After Five-Year Rift
A planned virtual meeting between Southeast Asian foreign ministers and Myanmar's junta-appointed representative has analysts predicting a potential normalisation of ties five years after the coup that first caused them to rupture.
The meeting is expected 'in the very near future', according to Asean Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, who made the comment on the sidelines of the 11-member regional bloc's summit in the Philippines. This comes as tensions between ASEAN and Myanmar have remained high since the military coup in February 2021.
Analysts say the move is a significant development in the region, given the long-standing tensions between Asean and Myanmar. The meeting could potentially lead to a resumption of diplomatic ties and a return to normalcy in the region.
According to Reuters, ASEAN has been pushing for democracy in Myanmar since the coup, while AP reports that Myanmar's military has maintained its grip on power.
Experts say the move is also significant given the current global economic trends, as Southeast Asia continues to face challenges due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict and COVID-19 pandemic. 'This could be a game-changer for regional politics,' said Dr. Sofia Jensen, a Southeast Asia expert at the University of Melbourne. 'If ASEAN can successfully re-engage with Myanmar, it could pave the way for greater economic cooperation and trade in the region.'
However, others remain cautious about the development, citing concerns over human rights abuses in Myanmar. 'While we welcome any efforts to normalise ties between ASEAN and Myanmar, we must not forget the ongoing suffering of the people of Myanmar,' said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch.
The meeting is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with officials from both sides working on finalising the details. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders across the region, as it could have significant implications for regional politics and economic cooperation.