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ASEAN's Malaysian contingent embarks on a mission to conflict-ridden Myanmar

Regional delegation, headed by Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, set to visit Myanmar next month following the junta's revocation of the state of emergency, as declared on Friday.

ASEAN, led by Malaysia, to head to Myanmar, a country embroiled in conflict
ASEAN, led by Malaysia, to head to Myanmar, a country embroiled in conflict

ASEAN's Malaysian contingent embarks on a mission to conflict-ridden Myanmar

ASEAN Delegation Heads to Myanmar to Discuss Upcoming Elections

Malaysia, as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will lead a regional delegation to Myanmar next month to discuss the upcoming elections and their comprehensiveness. The delegation, which includes the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, is scheduled to meet with Myanmar's Acting President on September 19, 2025.

The primary focus of the discussions will be to ensure the elections genuinely benefit the Myanmar people. The delegation seeks clarity on whether the elections will proceed nationwide, especially given that many areas remain under emergency rule or conflict.

The ASEAN delegation will address compliance with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, including the ceasefire and humanitarian aid in conflict zones. They will also aim to understand how the elections will be conducted in the 63 cities or areas currently under emergency rule or controlled by anti-junta groups.

The elections are tentatively scheduled for late 2025, possibly in December, but opposition groups have suggested boycotting the vote. A UN expert has branded the December election a "fraud" designed to legitimize the junta’s continued rule.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, leading the delegation, expressed a desire to discuss the comprehensiveness of the upcoming elections with the Myanmar authorities. He will report the findings of the delegation at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (October 26-28).

The visit is significant as the ASEAN has tried to increase pressure on Myanmar's junta, including by barring its leaders from summits, over the ongoing bloodshed. The purpose of the visit is for Mohamad to get a clear picture to bring to the ASEAN leadership in October.

[1] Malaysia to lead ASEAN delegation to Myanmar [2] ASEAN to discuss Myanmar elections with military leader [3] ASEAN to probe Myanmar elections amid calls for boycott [4] ASEAN leaders to meet Myanmar's acting president [5] ASEAN to engage Myanmar leaders on elections

[1] The upcoming ASEAN discussions with Myanmar's leaders will delve into the intersection of politics, as the elections are at hand, and business, considering the potential effects on regional trade and cooperation.

[2] As the situation in war-and-conflicts zones such as Myanmar hinges on the political landscape, the ASEAN delegation's talks will also touch upon general news pertaining to the ongoing conflict and its impact on the election process.

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