ASEAN TROIKA TO MEET ON MYANMAR DURING 47TH ASEAN SUMMIT 

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Troika mechanism meeting on Myanmar is expected to convene this Friday in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Scheduled for the afternoon of Oct 24, the meeting will focus on recent developments in Myanmar and ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable solution to the country’s prolonged political crisis.

“I'm going to brief my ASEAN counterparts on what has transpired in Myanmar,” Mohamad said during a special media briefing on the summit with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, here today.

He noted that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair this year, has engaged with Myanmar stakeholders twice, first in February and later in May.

These discussions, including extensive talks with acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, emphasised an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities, he said.

Mohamad highlighted that the second meeting marked a significant milestone as stakeholders began direct communication for the first time.

“At the beginning, they refused to talk to each other, but by the second meeting, they started engaging. That is progress,” he said, adding that the interim government appears much open and willing to engage with stakeholders, showing readiness to work towards the democratically elected government.

Regarding Myanmar’s upcoming election, expected at the end of this year, Mohamad said it is expected to be held in three phases with more than 5,000 registered candidates.

“Regarding observers, although invitations were sent to ASEAN members and Malaysia’s Election Commission, I told them that we will discuss participation collectively within ASEAN first,” he added.

The ASEAN Troika, established in 2023, comprises the current, previous and incoming ASEAN Chairs, ensuring continuity in addressing the Myanmar crisis. 

-- BERNAMA