Leaders under Malaysia’s chairmanship reaffirm Five-Point Consensus, stress ceasefire and humanitarian relief as priorities.
ASEAN foreign ministers pose for a group photo during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on October 25, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, held ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28, 2025 — ASEAN leaders have voiced alarm over the worsening conflict in Myanmar, warning that little progress has been made on the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC), the roadmap agreed in 2021 to end violence and restore dialogue.
In a statement issued at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, chaired by Malaysia, leaders condemned “continued acts of violence” against civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging Myanmar’s armed forces and security forces to “immediately halt indiscriminate violence” and implement an expanded ceasefire agreed earlier this year.
A Stalled Peace Plan
The 5PC — which calls for a halt to violence, dialogue among all parties, a special envoy, humanitarian aid, and visits to Myanmar — has yet to deliver results more than four years on. Leaders said they reviewed the implementation of the 5PC and took note of recommendations made by the 37th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings on July 9 and October 25, 2025.
They expressed “deep concern” over the worsening humanitarian crisis and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to helping Myanmar find a peaceful, durable, and “Myanmar-owned” resolution.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan chairs a session of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on October 25, 2025, as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
ASEAN Engagements
The statement highlighted recent efforts under Malaysia’s chairmanship, including a joint humanitarian visit by Malaysian and Thai foreign ministers in April, and a working visit to Nay Pyi Taw by Malaysia’s foreign minister earlier this month. ASEAN envoys also met in Kuala Lumpur in July to coordinate positions.
Strong together | ASEAN Foreign Ministers gather in Kuala Lumpur to tackle regional challenges, including Myanmar’s crisis.
Leaders praised the work of the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy in engaging multiple stakeholders, while stressing that humanitarian aid must continue to reach those most affected. They welcomed contributions from ASEAN members, partners, and the UN to support operations by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre).
Key Decisions
ASEAN leaders agreed to:
- Reaffirm the 5PC as the main reference for resolving Myanmar’s crisis.
- Maintain Myanmar’s non-political representation at ASEAN summits until “meaningful progress” is achieved.
- Scale up humanitarian aid, urging partners to increase funding for the AHA Centre and ensure transparent delivery, including cross-border if needed.
- Support inclusive dialogue, with the ASEAN Chair’s envoy tasked to continue outreach to all stakeholders.
- Highlight Myanmar’s planned elections in December 2025, while underscoring that violence must cease and inclusive political dialogue must precede any credible polls.
- Study a longer-term envoy role to ensure continuity in ASEAN’s engagement.
- Strengthen cooperation on transnational crimes linked to the conflict, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and online scams.
Looking Ahead
The leaders underscored that the crisis should not derail ASEAN’s wider community-building goals, but agreed to review progress at future summits. Myanmar, they said, “remains an integral part of ASEAN,” yet its failure to advance the 5PC threatens regional peace and stability. – TNS NEWS