PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen met with the military leader of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, through an online video conference on Monday morning. The two leaders exchanged views on the way forward in expediting the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC). This is the third meeting between the two leaders since Prime Minister Hun Sen visited the Senior General in Myanmar on 7 January 2022.
Among those attending the meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were the Cambodian Foreign Minister and Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair for Myanmar, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, the Secretary of State for the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eat Sophea, and the three assistants of the Prime Minister, Srey Thamrong, Kao Kim Hourn, and Eang Sophalleth.
According to a statement released on the outcomes of the meeting by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prime Minister Hun Sen thanked Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for facilitating the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair’s visit to Myanmar on 21-22 March 2022 and highlighted the widely expressed aspiration from all quarters to see more speedy progress on achieving three immediate priorities of the 5PC. These immediate priorities are the cessation of violence, unhindered humanitarian delivery to the people of Myanmar who are in most need, and building trust and confidence to engender an inclusive political dialogue.
In response, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s efforts to assist Myanmar in finding a peaceful solution to the current crisis and briefed Prime Minister Hun Sen on the latest situation in Myanmar, including response to persistent violence, overture to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with all Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and the distribution of the donation of Covid-19 vaccines and medical supplies to 58 hospitals and health centers in Myanmar. The Senior General also offered to further facilitate the ASEAN Special Envoy’s engagement with the EAOs, as part of the effort to end violence.
Prime Minister Hun Sen welcomed the good will expressed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, but also pointed out that it is important to avoid excessive use of force in maintaining law and order. He encouraged Naypyitaw to facilitate effective and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance, particularly in conflict areas.
In regard to the Consultative Meeting on Humanitarian Assistance in Myanmar, to be held in Phnom Penh on 6 May 2022, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing confirmed that the Chairman of Myanmar’s Task Force for Coordinating Humanitarian Assistance will lead a delegation to attend this event.
Prime Minister Hun Sen also welcomed the release of over 1600 prisoners, during Myanmar’s traditional New Year celebration in April, and recalled his earlier request for the release of all political detainees, including professor Sean Turnell of Australia. The Prime Minister reemphasized the importance of access for the Special Envoy to meet all parties concerned in Myanmar, including Daw Aung Saan Su Kyi and former President Win Myint, to create a conducive environment to start an inclusive political dialogue.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing pledged to facilitate meetings with other parties concerned, in response. Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Sen affirmed Cambodia’s commitment to assisting Myanmar’s return to democracy in line with the 5PC and the unity and centrality of ASEAN Ten.
On 23 April, while attending the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Japan, Prime Minister Hun Sen met with the Prime Minister of Japan. During the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced his intention to meet with Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing once again to push forward the 5PC.
Prime Minister Hun Sen previously met with Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing twice, once in person on 7 January 2022, and once through a video call in February. At both these previous meetings, the Prime Minister pushed for a solution for Myanmar, and reminded the military leader to honor his promises.
