The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will convene two meetings next week to discuss the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, according to the bloc’s secretary general. The discussions will take place ahead of ASEAN’s annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the February 2021 military coup, which ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The country has since descended into civil conflict, with clashes between the military junta and various rebel groups. ASEAN has consistently urged all parties to agree to a ceasefire and pursue a peaceful resolution.
In addition to addressing Myanmar, ASEAN leaders at the upcoming summit will deliberate on granting membership to East Timor and continue negotiations on a South China Sea code of conduct. The maritime agreement aims to regulate disputes in the region and maintain stability among member states and external stakeholders.
ASEAN HQ Jakarta Indonesia Picture on Wikimedia by Gunawan Kartapranata
