Diplomatic Relations: Receiving the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair

Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe received Ms. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, the Special Envoy of the 2026 ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, who is currently visiting Myanmar, at the Ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday.

During the meeting, the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Special Envoy discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and the Philippines. They exchanged views on matters of mutual benefits to the peoples of both countries under bilateral context, emphasizing on strengthening cooperation mechanisms and promoting sectoral cooperation.

Under the ASEAN framework, they also held substantive discussions on ways to restore Myanmar’s original role and rights within ASEAN, as well as preparations for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit and related Summits. Furthermore, the Union Minister informed the efforts undertaken by the Government of Myanmar in promoting peace, stability and national development, addressing terrorism, advancing the peace process as well as facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need with the assistances received from abroad as well as provided by the Government, using its own resources.

He further informed Myanmar endeavours to safeguard the interest of its people both within and outside the country. The Union Minister underscored Myanmar’s full cooperation under the ASEAN framework as a responsible ASEAN Member State and highlighted the Government’s constructive cooperation towards implementing the ASEAN Five-Point Statement without compromising its national interests and sovereignty in accordance with its own roadmaps and objectives.

As the last visit to Myanmar in her capacity as the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to observe the delivery of assistance to people in need in Taunggyi.

She briefed that the findings and observations from this visit would be reported to the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit. She emphasized the Philippines’ continued commitment to working together to explore Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led approaches that could facilitate the restoration of Myanmar’s original role and rights within ASEAN, as well as to expand the provision of humanitarian assistance to people in need in Myanmar. She also highlighted the importance of combating transnational crimes and enhancing economic cooperation within the framework of bilateral relations.