Press Release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Retreat

Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Nay Pyi Taw / February 20, 2022

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar takes note of the Press Statement of the Chairman of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (AMM Retreat) which was held on 17 February 2022.

The Ministry welcomes the priorities and deliverables presented by Cambodia in advancing ASEAN Community building. The Ministry also welcomes the initiatives taken to accelerate regional integration through the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025); for reaffirming that TAC is the key code of conduct governing interstate relations in the region and as foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability; for the commitment to preserve Southeast Asia region as a nuclear-weapon-free zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction; for stressing the importance of strengthening ASEAN centrality and unity; for working toward the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision; and for full and effective implementation of ASEAN COVID-19 initiatives, including ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) among others.

On RCEP, while taking note of the entry into force of the RCEP Agreement on 1 January 2022, the Ministry would like to recall that Myanmar is one of the signatory states to early deposit its instrument of ratification of the RCEP in accordance with the provision of the RCEP Agreement. However, the Ministry regrets that Myanmar’s ratification of RCEP have been politicized by some members and therefore the depository was not able to comply with the provisions of the RCEP Agreement ultimately causing delays for the Agreement to enter into force for Myanmar. Such course of action will not only damage ASEAN’s credibility but also the credibility of the ASEAN Secretariat. Myanmar hopes that such course of action will never take place again in ASEAN which is supposed to be a rule-based inter-governmental organization.

The Ministry welcomes ASEAN Chair’s emphasis on strengthening ASEAN centrality and unity in ASEAN’s external relations through promoting ASEAN norms and principles, including those enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Myanmar is encouraged by the increasing request by countries to accede to the TAC and looks forward to their accession at an early date. Myanmar encourages ASEAN to uphold the past practices which has existed in ASEAN for over the past 50 years when signing TAC documents.

The Ministry notes ASEAN’s continued support for Myanmar’s repatriation efforts, especially on the follow-up to the recommendations of the Preliminary Need Assessment (PNA) in facilitating the voluntary return of the displaced persons from Rakhine State in a safe, secure and dignified manner. While ASEAN looks forward to the conduct of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) when conditions allow, Myanmar again encourages the Secretary-General of ASEAN to revitalize the High-Level Coordination Meeting with a view to finalize the remaining project proposals as well as to identify possible areas for ASEAN to effectively facilitate the repatriation process.

On the implementation of the five-point consensus, significant progress and challenges have been briefed to the diplomats in Yangon on 8 February 2022 by the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Ministry welcomes Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as the special envoy of the ASEAN Chair. Myanmar will continue to promote constructive cooperation with ASEAN, including with the special envoy, with the understanding that it is Myanmar-owned, Myanmar-led process as stated in the press statement by the Chairman of the AMM Retreat.

The Ministry notes that while some deliberations were constructive on the implementation of the five-point consensus, two members have suggested special envoy to engage with unlawful associations and terrorist groups which Myanmar Government has declared as terrorist groups. The Ministry would like to recall that the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee of Myanmar has declared CRPH, NUG and all their subordinates as terrorist groups on 8 May 2021 for perpetrating violence and pursuing total destructive path which are conducive to terrorism in the country. Suggesting the special envoy to engage with such groups are not only contrary to the principles of the ASEAN Charter but also undermine ASEAN’s counter-terrorism efforts. In this regard, the Ministry again urges the two members not to use ASEAN platforms to make such comments and encourages to condemn the terrorist acts.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dated, 20 February 2022