ASEAN Sec-Gen, UN Special Envoy Discuss Myanmar Situation

JAKARTA, April 6 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn received the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar, Dr Noeleen Heyzer, at the ASEAN-Secretariat headquarters here Thursday.

Both sides discussed and exchanged views on regional efforts, particularly of ASEAN and the UN, in supporting the implementation of the regional group’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and in working with the ASEAN Chair’s Office of Special Envoy to Myanmar.

In April 2021, ASEAN had put forward the 5PC to help end Myanmar’s crisis following the regional leaders’ meeting in Jakarta.

Earlier, Dr Kao also shared the regional group’s efforts in delivering humanitarian assistance in Myanmar to support all those in need.

According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the initiative was coordinated by the Secretary-General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator with the support of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management.

During the meeting, Dr Kao also appreciated the strong support of the international community, including the UN, for ASEAN to play a leading role in addressing the situation in Myanmar.

The country was plunged into crisis when the military, led by army chief Min Aung Hlaing, took power in a coup in February 2021, which has resulted in widespread conflict, unrest, international condemnation and sanctions.

-- BERNAMA