Philippines' Marcos open to buying Russian fuel, proposes new Myanmar approach

23 Sept 04:54 Key points summarised by AI

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed openness to purchasing fuel and fertilizer from Russia to combat rising global energy prices and inflation, despite pressure from Western allies.
Marcos Jr. plans to propose a new approach to the Myanmar crisis at the upcoming ASEAN summit, suggesting direct engagement with the military government to initiate dialogue and promote peace.
The Philippines aims to play a leading role in promoting regional peace, addressing challenges posed by North Korea and China-Taiwan tensions.

ASEAN envoy to visit Myanmar starting Wednesday

Yesterday 08:32 Key points summarised by AI

**Humanitarian Mission:** An ASEAN special envoy, led by Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, will visit Myanmar to expand humanitarian access and engage with local and national officials.
**Aid Focus:** The delegation, including experts from the AHA Centre, will assess humanitarian needs in conflict-hit regions like Shan State, aiming to streamline aid delivery.
**No Suu Kyi Engagement:** Despite recent positive developments for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the envoy's visit will not include a meeting with her, as no such arrangement was made.
**Unfulfilled Consensus:** While Myanmar establishes an ASEAN Affairs Coordinating Committee and its own roadmap, ASEAN reiterates that the bloc's Five-Point Consensus remains unfulfilled, leading to continued exclusion of Myanmar's political appointees from high-level meetings.