ASEAN agrees to fast-track implementation of Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar

By HIDAYATH HISHAM

ASEAN has agreed to accelerate the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to resolve the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (picture) said Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa had recently visited Naypyidaw and engaged with relevant stakeholders.

“At today’s informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ consultation, we reaffirmed the urgent need to fully implement the Five-Point Consensus,

“The paramount framework agreed to at the Leaders level, to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation in Myanmar,” he said in a Facebook post.

The informal consultation among ASEAN foreign ministers reiterated that the consensus remains the key framework endorsed at the leadership level to pursue long-term peace and stability in Myanmar.

Balakrishnan said ASEAN is willing to support a peaceful process, but the actual resolution must be initiated by the people of Myanmar.

“Only then can we establish a credible and inclusive path forward that respects the will of the people of Myanmar,” he said.

He noted that the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, particularly following the earthquake in March.

“That earthquake was a painful reminder of Myanmar’s fragility.

“Singapore deployed teams and contributed humanitarian aid, and we are ready to do more. But humanitarian action must be matched by political will. And tragedy can sometimes open the door to unity and peace,” he said.

The Five-Point Consensus was adopted during the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in 2021 in Jakarta as a regional effort to address Myanmar’s crisis following the military coup.

The framework includes five elements: ending violence, engaging in constructive dialogue, providing humanitarian aid, appointing an ASEAN special envoy, and facilitating the envoy’s visit to the country.

Separately, Balakrishnan posted about his meeting with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and expressed Singapore’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship.

He also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s role in hosting the ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

Balakrishnan conveyed Singapore’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, adding that in today’s more challenging global environment, it is essential to deepen collaboration with regional partners, enhance cooperation, and work towards a more resilient and inclusive ASEAN.