ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Jakarta to address Myanmar crisis and regional challenges

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and partner countries have convened in Jakarta to discuss the situation in Myanmar, which has caused global concern and created divisions within ASEAN.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, chairing the meetings, stressed the need for ASEAN to navigate regional and global dynamics and promote collaboration amid complex challenges.

Indonesia expects the Myanmar issue to be a central theme.

Marsudi expressed deep concern about escalating violence and called for an immediate halt to actions causing civilian casualties and damage.

Myanmar’s military rule since February 2021 prompted Indonesia to invite a nonpolitical representative instead of the military-appointed foreign minister.

ASEAN has faced pressure to resolve the Myanmar crisis, but the bloc has been divided.

The United States urged adherence to the “five-point consensus” and advocated downgrading Myanmar’s representation in ministerial meetings.

Talks also address negotiations with China on a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

The ASEAN Regional Forum will bring together diplomats from the Asia-Pacific region, North America, and Europe, including North Korea.

Key agenda items include the Ukraine conflict and South China Sea disputes.

The meetings offer an opportunity for bilateral discussions among foreign ministers, but the United States does not anticipate a meeting with North Korea.

Over 1,000 delegates aim to produce 12 outcome documents covering various topics during the week.

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