Ain Bandial

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Thursday’s announcement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was made after it reached a similar agreement with Australia.

Australia’s achievement of an elevated partnership represented a significant victory for Canberra. It was also a sign of its ability to surpass China and secure the first ever such agreement with Southeast Asia, which is now a battlefield between Beijing and Washington.

Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah made the announcement during a press conference in which he was asked questions about Myanmar’s participation at ASEAN events. This was after Min Aung Hlaing (junta chief) was expelled from several Asian summits.

He said that Myanmar is an integral member of ASEAN and asked whether Myanmar should be expelled.

ASEAN will continue to be there for Myanmar, and we offer support through implementation of the 5-point consensus.”

Min Aung Hlaing was disqualified for failing to implement the “consensus”, an agreement Min Aung Hlaing reached in April with ASEAN. This accord, which Min Aung Hlaing signed, committed to end hostilities, promote dialogue, aid humanitarian efforts, and facilite mediation by an ASEAN special envoy.

The sultan stated that while we gave Myanmar room, we also upheld the ASEAN charter principles including the non-interference principle.

At a separate press conference, Saifuddin Abdullah, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, stated that it wasn’t clear if Myanmar will join the future ASEAN meetings. He also stressed that Myanmar was calling for a no-show.

Saifuddin Abdullah was asked if the ASEAN event would be continued. He replied, “That is the one-million dollar question that I can’t answer.”