Pratik AgrawalASEAN member states are actively deliberating over how Myanmar will participate in the landmark Russia-ASEAN summit after Putin personally invited its newly elected president.
ASEAN member states are actively deliberating over how Myanmar should be represented at the upcoming Russia-ASEAN commemorative summit. The debate gained momentum after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a personal invitation to Myanmar’s newly elected president. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Horn made this disclosure on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum.
ASEAN foreign ministers tasked with deciding Myanmar’s summit role
“Leaders have tasked ASEAN foreign ministers with discussing this matter. This is especially important in the context of the upcoming ASEAN-Russia commemorative summit on June 18. The question of how Myanmar will be represented at that meeting is now central. President Putin has already sent an invitation to Myanmar’s newly elected president,” Kao Kim Horn stated.
The ASEAN chief noted that the question of Myanmar’s participation remains deeply intertwined with ongoing discussions within the bloc. These talks center on implementing the so-called Five-Point Consensus, which outlines a framework for resolving Myanmar’s prolonged internal crisis.
Virtual engagement among the options being considered
Among the formats under consideration is a virtual meeting with Myanmar’s foreign minister. This would allow an exchange of views between Naypyidaw and ASEAN member states without signaling a full diplomatic return to normalcy.
“This does not mean a return to business as usual. There are still many discussions and engagements ahead regarding how to strategically adjust the approach to engagement with Myanmar,” Kao Kim Horn emphasized.
Russia and ASEAN are marking 30 years of dialogue partnership in 2026. The commemorative Russia-ASEAN summit is scheduled for June 18.
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta