And therefore, we also support our leaders getting together to generate a common position in which ASEAN can express its support for Myanmar
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Singapore has said it supports Indonesia’s proposal to organize a summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar.

The two countries share the same position on responding to the political crisis post the Myanmar military coup, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said after meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi here on Thursday.

"And therefore, we also support our leaders getting together to generate a common position in which ASEAN can express its support for Myanmar," Balakrishnan told the press.

The visiting Singaporean minister said his country is very concerned about the developments in Myanmar, and the loss of human lives due to "the use of weapons against unarmed civilians".

To resolve the political conflict in Myanmar, national reconciliation must be prioritized through negotiations carried out in good faith in order to find a long-term solution, he stressed.

"Both Indonesia and Singapore also believe that there should be no foreign interference (in the settlement of the Myanmar crisis). But ASEAN is ready to assist in (resolving) any problem, " he added.

Related news: President to contact ASEAN chair over meeting on Myanmar crisis

Voicing similar concerns as Singapore on the situation in Myanmar, Marsudi again called on the Myanmar military to stop using force and prevent further casualties.

"We also urge Myanmar to start a dialogue to get democracy, peace, and stability back on track," she stated.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) recently said that he plans to broach the possibility of holding an ASEAN Summit to discuss the Myanmar issue with the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, who is chair of ASEAN this year.

Widodo has also urged that dialogue for reconciliation be held immediately to restore democracy, peace, and stability in the country.

"The safety and welfare of the people must be the top priority," he said on Friday (March 19, 2021).

Related news: Ministry: See no urgency to evacuate Indonesians from Myanmar



Translator: Yashinta DP, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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