Cambodia Reiterates Commitment To Assist Myanmar To Return To Democracy

Phnom Penh, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, had a video call this morning with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to exchange views on the way forward in expediting the implementation of the ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

According to a press release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued this evening, in the meeting Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for facilitating the 1st visit to Myanmar by the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Mar. 21-22, 2022 and highlighted widely expressed aspiration from all quarters to see more speedy progress on achieving three immediate priorities of the 5PC, namely, (1) cessation of violence, (2) unhindered humanitarian delivery to all the people in most need and (3) building trust and confidence to engender an inclusive political dialogue.

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 Samdech Techo 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 Organisations (EAOs) and the distribution of the donations of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies to 58 hospitals and health centres in Myanmar. He offered to facilitate the engagement with the EAOs by the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy, as part of the effort to end violence.

While welcoming the good will expressed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Samdech Techo Hun Sen pointed out that it is important to avoid excessive use of force in maintaining law and order. He also encouraged Naypyitaw to further facilitate effective and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance, particularly in conflict areas, which not only alleviates people’s suffering, but also supports effort to de-escalate violence and build trust to engender an inclusive peace dialogue.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing affirmed the readiness of the State Administrative Council (SAC) in facilitating the distribution of humanitarian assistance, initially in two pilot areas and five other regions and states which have been identified as priority areas for the purpose. Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed SAC’s cooperation on humanitarian relief delivery and vaccination campaign in pilot areas which can be expanded step by step to other regions.

With regard to the Consultative Meeting on Humanitarian Assistance in Myanmar to be held on May 6, 2022, in Phnom Penh, 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.
During this meeting, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also welcomed the release of over 1,600 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. He sought SAC’s further cooperation in facilitating the second visit to Myanmar by the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy, possibly at the end of May. He reemphasised 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, for creating conducive environment to start an inclusive political dialogue. In response, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing pledged to facilitate meetings with other parties concerned. In concluding the conversation, Samdech Techo Hun Sen affirmed Cambodia’s commitment to assist Myanmar’s return to democracy in line with the 5PC and the unity and centrality of ASEAN Ten.
This is the third meeting between Samdech Techo Hun Sen as the Chair of ASEAN for 2022 and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The first time took place during his visit to Myanmar on Jan. 7, 2022 and the second was a virtual talk on Jan. 26, 2022. Besides, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn met with the Myanmar leader during his official visit to Myanmar on Mar. 21 as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair. by AKP