Myanmar FM to attend informal crisis talks in Bangkok

13 Sept 14:40 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's foreign minister confirmed attendance at controversial informal crisis talks in Bangkok, aiming to address the country's ongoing political turmoil since the 2021 military coup.
The talks come amidst significant violence and displacement in Myanmar, with over 3,600 civilians killed and more than a million displaced since the coup.
ASEAN, which includes Myanmar, had previously barred the junta from top-level summits due to its failure to implement a two-year-old five-point peace plan.
Singapore expressed concerns, deeming it "premature to re-engage with the junta," while Malaysia announced it would not attend the proposed meeting, highlighting divisions within the bloc.
Thailand's caretaker government proposed the informal meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue to curb the bloodshed, despite past diplomatic efforts yielding little progress.

ASEAN envoy to visit Myanmar starting Wednesday

Today 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.