Press Release

MYANMAR received the invitation from Brunei Darussalam, the current Chair of ASEAN, to the non-political representative (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to attend the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits on 19 October 2021. Downgrading the level of the participant from Myanmar and limiting the role of participants, in discussions and decisions making at the Summits, are contrary to the principles, procedures of the ASEAN Charter and precedent of ASEAN, especially with Article 2 on respecting the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identity of all ASEAN Member States and Article 5 of the ASEAN Charter on equal rights and obligations of ASEAN Member States.

Furthermore, Myanmar has made it known its inability to accept the decision taken by the Emergency ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held on 15 October 2021 as it was not based on ASEAN consensus as required by the ASEAN Charter in making decisions and thus Myanmar made a reservation on the decision taken in that meeting.

However, Brunei Darussalam in the capacity of ASEAN Chair extended the invitation letter to U Chan Aye, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar on 25 October 2021 for his attendance in ASEAN Summits ignoring the points made by Myanmar.

Therefore, Myanmar has communicated with Brunei Darussalam, as the current Chair of ASEAN, on 25 October 2021, informing Myanmar can accept the participation of the Head of State or Head of Government or his Ministerial level representation at the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits. Myanmar’s absence at the ASEAN Summits due to denial for the Head of State or Head of Government or his Ministerial level representation does not intend to show its protest against ASEAN or to boycott ASEAN.

Myanmar rather exercises its rights as an ASEAN Member State in accordance with the principles enshrined in ASEAN Charter while demonstrating its willingness to consult with the ASEAN Member States. Since Myanmar joined the ASEAN, Myanmar has been respecting and complying with the principles and procedures enshrined in the ASEAN Charter in contribution to the ASEAN Community Building process. Myanmar will continue to constructively cooperate with ASEAN, including in implementing the five-point consensus.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Date, 26 October 2021