Foreign Minister to Visit Myanmar in September to Assess Situation, Report to be Presented at ASEAN Summit

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that before the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, he will first visit Myanmar on September 19 to personally assess the new political situation there, in order to report at the ASEAN Summit.

When asked today (8th), after attending the 2025 ASEAN Day celebration in Cyberjaya, about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar mentioning in his speech that Malaysia’s Foreign Minister will visit Myanmar along with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Indonesia, he said that previously the foreign ministers of ASEAN countries would each go on their own. This time, however, he has invited his colleagues from Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia to go together.

"Because the Philippines will hold the rotating ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, we hope to maintain continuity so that the next chair nation is clear about what needs to be done and how to do it, to avoid any interruption."

He continued, Myanmar must fulfill its commitment to extend and expand the ceasefire agreement.

"I am most likely going to Myanmar on September 19. I hope to witness the new government's situation with my own eyes, because the military government has already been dissolved, the state of emergency has been lifted, and a 'National Security and Peace Committee' has been established. However, the highest authority remains the 'National Defence and Security Council.'"

Mohamad Hasan said that after Myanmar indicated it will hold elections, he wants to understand the situation, as this is also the reason for Myanmar to end or not extend the state of emergency, which is stipulated by Myanmar's constitution.

"I want to discuss with them whether the election will be held comprehensively, because there are still 63 cities or regions currently designated under the state of emergency."

He said that although Myanmar has lifted the nationwide state of emergency, its National Defence and Security Council is still enforcing a state of emergency in these 63 areas.

"I want to get a clear understanding of the situation first, so that I can bring it to this October's ASEAN Summit and report to the leaders."

When asked about whether Malaysia is confident in the second round of negotiations after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday, Mohamad Hasan said, "Of course, otherwise I wouldn't invite them here."