Chair’s Statement of the 48th ASEAN Summit

9 May 2026

132. We commended the AHA Centre for the continuous implementation of ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar under Phase 2 (Life-Sustaining) to implement Point 4 of the ASEAN Leaders’ Five-Point Consensus (5PC). We appreciated the contributions from ASEAN Member States, partners, and the private sector and encouraged all relevant parties in Myanmar to continue facilitating the safe, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory delivery of humanitarian assistance, with a view to supporting the effective implementation of Point 4 of the 5PC. We further underscored the importance of sustained international financial support for humanitarian efforts in Myanmar.

133. We reaffirmed ASEAN’s continued support for Myanmar’s efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, promote harmony and reconciliation, and sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State. We emphasised our support for Myanmar’s commitment to the safety and security of all communities in Rakhine State and the safe, dignified, voluntary return of displaced persons. We looked forward to ASEAN’s continued support for Myanmar’s efforts in the repatriation process through the implementation of projects following the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA). We also looked forward to the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) when conditions allowed and encouraged the Secretary-General of ASEAN to continue identifying possible areas of cooperation to effectively facilitate the repatriation process.

176. We expressed our deep concern over the continued escalation of conflict, humanitarian situation in Myanmar, and the minimal progress on the implementation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Five-Point Consensus (5PC). We reaffirmed our united position that the 5PC remains our primary reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar and further reaffirmed the relevant Leaders’ decisions. We denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructure, and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue. We welcomed the continued progress of the provision of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar by the AHA Centre to implement Point 4 of the 5PC.

177. We commended the dedicated efforts of H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, since her appointment in January 2026. In carrying out her mandate, the Special Envoy has actively engaged a wide and diverse range of Myanmar stakeholders, reflecting ASEAN’s commitment to assist Myanmar in advancing an inclusive and lasting solution to the crisis that is Myanmar-owned and -led, while reaffirming that Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN. The Special Envoy has also engaged ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Myanmar’s neighbouring countries, international and regional partners, civil society organisations, and humanitarian actors, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in addressing the political and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. We noted the conclusion of the three phases of Myanmar’s general elections and the succeeding developments.

178. We took note of the deliberations of the Senior Officials on the Non-Paper on the Elements for the Terms of Reference of the Special Envoy of ASEAN on Myanmar and recognized the importance of arriving at common positions on key strategic questions, including its proposed mandate, support structure, funding, tenure and alignment with the 5PC. We also took note of Myanmar’s position on this matter. We looked forward to the conclusion of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ deliberations on the proposal for a long-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to ensure continuity in the role, in line with the mandate given by the ASEAN Leaders.

179. We welcomed the release of more than 4,000 prisoners in Myanmar, including U Win Myint, the subsequent release of more than 1,500 prisoners, and the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence. We viewed the release of prisoners as a positive step towards inclusive national dialogue among all parties in Myanmar. We likewise reiterated our calls for the release of the remaining prisoners in Myanmar in this regard.

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