A Seminar titled “Reviewing Myanmar’s position and role within ASEAN” was held at the Lawkanat Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw on 31 July 2026. The Seminar was attended by the Union Minister and Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chairpersons of the International Relations Committees of Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, Hluttaw Representatives, Senior Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministries responsible for three ASEAN Community Pillars, academics and experts from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS), National Defence College, Department of International Relations of Naypyitaw State Academy and the Department of International Relations and Political Science of Yangon University.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that the discussion would focus, in particular, on ways and means to strengthen Myanmar’s role within ASEAN, to address and overcome the challenges that may arise in strengthening and maintaining regular and constructive Myanmar-ASEAN relations, while integrating the views and perspectives of experts and professionals from various fields. Afterwards, the director-general of the ASEAN Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave an overview presentation titled “Myanmar’s 29-Year Journey in ASEAN”.

In addition, participants exchanged views on Myanmar’s perspectives on ASEAN, ASEAN’s perspectives on Myanmar, and Myanmar’s role within ASEAN amid changing regional and international dynamics. They also suggested pragmatic policy recommendations to enhance Myanmar’s engagement within ASEAN and identified key priority areas for Myanmar’s cooperation with ASEAN over the next five years. The director-general of the ASEAN Affairs Department presented the summary of the recommendations and the discussion points collected from the Seminar.

The Union Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered the closing remarks, highlighting and reviewing Myanmar’s role and contributions as a responsible Member State of ASEAN since its accession to ASEAN, including its role as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN’s external relations with Dialogue Partners. He also underscored Myanmar’s efforts to enhance Myanmar’s role and contribution within ASEAN, and maintain positive and constructive engagement with all ASEAN Member States. The Union Minister further discussed the way forward and possible roadmap for Myanmar’s continued engagement within ASEAN. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of charting long-term strategies aimed at effectively advancing and safeguarding Myanmar’s national interests, as well as formulating practical policy recommendations to bolster Myanmar’s position within ASEAN.

MoFA

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