“As Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines will continue to build on the efforts of previous Special Envoys of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in advancing the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” Lazaro said in Nay Pyi Taw, Tuesday.

Her statement was published on the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs website on Wednesday.

Lazaro held discussions with Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. 

ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) consists of the immediate cessation of violence; constructive dialogue among all parties; a special envoy of the ASEAN Chair to facilitate mediation of the dialogue process; ASEAN to provide humanitarian assistance; and a visit by the Special Envoy and delegation to Myanmar to meet with all parties involved. 

State media, The Global New Light of Myanmar, featured an article on its front page on Wednesday emphasising the intention of both Southeast Asian nations to engage with the 11-member grouping to strengthen regional diplomacy.

“The two sides discussed Myanmar’s efforts to optimise cooperation within ASEAN, the good diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the Philippines,” said the state media. 

Myanmar held the first phase of its national elections on Dec 28 after nearly five years. The second phase will take place on Jan 11, and the final is scheduled for Jan 25. 

Before she visited Myanmar, Lazaro was in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan 5 to meet Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to bolster long-standing bilateral relations between the two nations. 

“They also engaged in candid discussions on several critical regional and international issues such as the situation in Myanmar, the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, and other geopolitical developments,” said the Philippines Foreign Affairs Department. 

-- BERNAMA