Myanmar has been grappling with political and humanitarian turmoil since its military junta successfully executed a coup against the elected civilian government.
At the 17th ADMM, chaired by Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, ASEAN defense ministers, with the exception of Myanmar's representative, adopted eight documents, including the Jakarta Joint Declaration.
In the declaration, the defense ministers expressed their conviction that implementing the Five-Point Consensus would contribute to Myanmar's restoration of stability and peace for its people.
The ministers agreed that concrete, practical, and measurable indicators are crucial for implementing the consensus. They also urged all relevant parties in Myanmar to refrain from taking any actions that can further deteriorate conditions in the country.
All parties should put an immediate end to the acts of violence, ASEAN defense ministers stated in the Jakarta Joint Declaration.
Representatives from nine permanent members of the ASEAN and Timor-Leste, as an observer, participated in the 17th ADMM that will be followed by the 10th ADMM Plus in Jakarta on Thursday.
The representatives included Cambodian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister General Tea Seiha, Laotian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath, Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, and Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr..
Malaysian Defense Minister Dato Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klangsang, Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang, and Defense Minister II of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retd.) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof also attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister of Timor-Leste, Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gomes, participated in the meeting as an observer.
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 11, 2022, ASEAN member countries agreed on the Five-Point Consensus in response to the coup that occurred in Myanmar on February 1, 2021.
Through the consensus, ASEAN urges the ruling Burmese military junta to provide access for the bloc's member states to distribute humanitarian aid, halt all acts of violence, and engage in an inclusive dialogue involving all parties.
ASEAN stated in the consensus that the ruling power should appoint a special envoy to facilitate negotiations and allow ASEAN special envoys to meet with other parties involved in the conflict.
Related news: ASEAN defense ministers' meeting adopts eight documents
Related news: Minister Subianto mentions Gaza humanitarian crisis at 17th ADMM
Translator: Genta Tenri, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
