Paying a Courtesy Call: ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy paid a courtesy call

A delegation led by Ms. Maria Theresa Parreno Lazaro, Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, paid a courtesy call on Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, at the Reception Hall of the National Defence and Security Council Office in Nay Pyi Taw on the afternoon of January 6.

During the meeting, they held a frank and open exchange of views on several matters including Myanmar's ongoing efforts to maximize cooperation within ASEAN and the good state of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the Philippines, the situation where the state had to unavoidably assume its responsibilities due to widespread electoral fraud in the 2020 general election and attempts to seize state power illegally, Myanmar's political developments, preparations to ensure free and fair elections and accurate voter lists, the successful holding of the first phase of the election on December 28, 2025, and plans to continue with the second and third phases in the remaining townships, international election observer groups, including from the Philippines, attended the first phase and provided positive assessments, holding elections ensures that the democratic rights of all Myanmar citizens are not lost, enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and trade sectors between Myanmar and the Philippines, and Myanmar's commitment to continue promoting the best possible cooperation within ASEAN.

After the meeting, the Acting President SSPC Chairman and the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines exchanged commemorative gifts and took a group photo with attendees.