Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa attends the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)
VIENTIANE: Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has called for an increased collaborative effort from Myanmar’s neighboring countries. His aim? To support all parties in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict to put down their arms, a strife that has persisted since a military coup turned the country upside down in 2021. In a candid conversation with Kyodo News and Thai media on Saturday, Maris revealed that he had engaged in informal dialogues with representatives from Myanmar and India during a recent summit that brought together nations from South Asia and a few Southeast Asian countries in New Delhi earlier this month.
Maris was present in the Lao capital last week to partake in the foreign ministerial discussions organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This event was graced by participation from several partner nations, the United States, Japan, and China included.
Myanmar, nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, shares its borders with Thailand, India, China, Laos, and Bangladesh. Thailand and India, in particular, have seen an influx of refugees fleeing the turmoil that ensued after the February 1, 2021, military coup which toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
“I am optimistic that there is a considerable chance to ameliorate the situation in Myanmar,” Mr. Maris conveyed. “Several countries are now approaching the junta with a more open-minded stance than previously.”
He emphasized this optimism further, sharing his recent experience, “When I held tripartite discussions with my counterparts from Myanmar and India during the foreign ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation in early July, I sensed a more flexible and open attitude from Myanmar.”
While Myanmar grapples with its internal strife, its neighboring countries must walk a delicate line between offering humanitarian assistance and navigating complex diplomatic relationships. Maris seems hopeful that a shift in attitudes and increased cooperation could serve as catalysts for change, steering Myanmar towards a more stable and peaceful future.
Calling for regional cooperation is all well and good, but when have we ever seen that actually yield results? This is nothing but political posturing.
You’re being too cynical. Every major change starts with dialogue. Regional cooperation is imperative in such crises.
But historically, ASEAN has been slow and toothless. I get the skepticism.
Exactly my point. Look at Cambodia in the 1970s. Lots of talking, very little action.
I think Maris Sangiampongsa is onto something here. Regional actors have the most at stake and should be the primary drivers for peace.
True, but the problem is that these countries have conflicting interests. How can they put aside their differences?
It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. Look at the Iran nuclear deal. Complex negotiations can succeed.
Local issues require local solutions. Outsiders can only do so much.
Another meeting, another waste of time and money. When will these politicians do more than just talk?
You’re oversimplifying things. International diplomacy is a complex and sensitive endeavor.
Maybe so, but how long must people suffer while these “complex” talks happen? Action is needed now.
More flexible attitude from Myanmar? Are you kidding me? The junta has shown no real intention to cease violence or negotiate in good faith.
Valid point, but incremental progress is still progress. Better than a complete stalemate.
Incremental progress is meaningless if people continue to die and suffer. It’s all just words.
ASEAN’s involvement is essential, but I wish they could take a firmer stance. Appeasement won’t bring peace.
India and Thailand must play crucial roles here; their own stability is at stake.
Right, but their own internal politics often get in the way of effective intervention.
True, but a balanced approach could benefit everyone involved. It’s a tough tightrope to walk.
Maris Sangiampongsa seems optimistic, but let’s be real—without strong international pressure, the junta won’t change.
Speaking as someone with family in Myanmar, international cooperation is desperately needed. More countries should follow Maris’s lead.
I’m sorry about your family. I agree that more should be done, but where do we start?
Why always rely on politicians? Civil society should be more involved in these discussions to bring real change.
The military coup in 2021 created this chaos. Until the junta is held accountable, no amount of meetings will fix this.
Holding the junta accountable is easier said than done. It requires international consensus, which is sorely lacking.
That’s the problem! Everyone’s got their own agenda, leaving the people of Myanmar to suffer.
The influx of refugees into Thailand and India is a major concern. Regional stability affects everyone in Southeast Asia.
Humanitarian aid from neighboring countries is crucial. It can alleviate some immediate suffering at least.
Agreed. But aid alone won’t solve the deep-rooted issues causing the crisis.
Unless China and the US can find common ground on Myanmar, regional efforts will fall short. Their influence is too significant.
Maris Sangiampongsa’s efforts are commendable, but we need concrete steps, not just talks and meetings.
Concrete steps require groundwork. These meetings lay that foundation.
Isn’t it naive to think the junta will willingly give up power just because of some regional pressure?