Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, serving as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair’s special envoy, plans to lead a humanitarian mission to conflict-stricken Myanmar by the end of 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

The announcement followed Lazaro’s back-to-back meetings in Thailand from July 12 to 13 with Southeast Asian foreign ministers and Myanmar stakeholders to discuss the country’s political situation.

The DFA, in a statement, said Lazaro “committed to lead” the mission in the fourth quarter of this year, adding that the proposal has “gained the support of all stakeholders.”

The department has yet to release further details but said the mission is “aimed at expanding access to areas in need of assistance” in Myanmar.

On July 12, Lazaro met with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe to discuss the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and ways ASEAN could help Myanmar normalize its relations with the regional bloc.

She also chaired an informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers with U Tin Maung Swe, who briefed participants on the latest developments in Myanmar, his government’s efforts to implement action points under the 5PC, its 100-day peace plan, and measures to combat transnational crimes.

During the meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers underscored that the 5PC remains key to addressing the situation in Myanmar. Lazaro, meanwhile, reiterated that “Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN.”

The meeting marked the first in-person engagement between ASEAN foreign ministers and their Myanmar counterpart since 2021.

In a separate statement, Thailand’s foreign ministry said the meeting highlighted the need “for direct engagement and dialogue between ASEAN and Myanmar” to help build confidence and create conditions for the two parties’ “calibrated re-engagement.”

“ASEAN will continue to follow developments in Myanmar closely and remains united in its shared objective of helping Myanmar achieve peace and stability through dialogue and consensus-building. The meeting marked the beginning of a continuing process, with ASEAN looking forward to continuing discussions on practical ways forward,” it said.

On July 13, Lazaro met with representatives of Myanmar ethnic armed organizations and the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee, and discussed ways to advance an “inclusive national political dialogue between and among parties in Myanmar.”

“All sides expressed openness to the dialogue process and emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and ensuring careful preparation of all parties involved,” the DFA said. (PNA)