Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamed Hassan, the rotating chair of ASEAN, at the Jasmine Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on October 9.

During the meeting, U Than Swe briefed the Malaysian Foreign Minister on the Myanmar government’s ongoing efforts to achieve internal stability and sustainable peace through engagement with ethnic armed groups, preparations for free and fair elections to establish a genuine multi-party democracy, and cooperation with ASEAN in implementing the Five-Point Consensus (ASEAN Common Vision). He also highlighted Myanmar’s collaboration with neighboring and regional countries, as well as the international community, in combating cross-border crimes and online fraud.

The Union Minister expressed appreciation for ASEAN’s support and Malaysia’s leadership during its chairmanship, stressing that Myanmar has consistently fulfilled its duties as a member state. He emphasized that discrimination against Myanmar within ASEAN was inappropriate and called for the restoration of the country’s rightful role and participation in the regional bloc.

U Than Swe also discussed the proposed formation of a Tripartite Core Group comprising the Myanmar government, the United Nations, and ASEAN to support recovery efforts for communities affected by the recent powerful earthquake in Myanmar.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamed Hassan welcomed the discussions, acknowledging Myanmar’s role as a core member of ASEAN. He expressed his willingness to provide constructive assistance and reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for Myanmar’s efforts to achieve better outcomes in implementing the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, pledging to strengthen cooperation and engagement with Myanmar.