ASEAN Foreign Ministers reiterated their backing for Myanmar’s initiatives to bring peace and stability to Rakhine State, emphasizing the need for a safe and voluntary return of displaced individuals.
In the joint communiqué released following the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Friday, the bloc reaffirmed its dedication to fostering unity and reconciliation among Rakhine’s communities and to safeguarding the wellbeing of affected populations.
On the final day of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here on Friday (July 11), the joint communiqué stated that ASEAN reaffirmed its ongoing support for Myanmar’s efforts to foster peace, stability, and uphold the rule of law in Rakhine State.
The communiqué highlighted the critical need to ensure the safety and security of all communities, while promoting the voluntary, safe, secure, and dignified return of displaced persons.
The bloc also welcomed the continued collaboration between Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly the bilateral initiatives aimed at repatriating verified displaced individuals from Rakhine.
Looking ahead, ASEAN expressed its commitment to further facilitating the repatriation process, especially by implementing projects in line with the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA).
The statement also noted ASEAN’s hope that conditions will soon permit the conduct of a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA). It urged the ASEAN Secretary-General to keep identifying potential areas where the bloc can play an effective role in supporting the repatriation process.
Today marks the conclusion of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and its associated gatherings, held from July 8 to 11 under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
Over four days, more than 1,500 delegates from ASEAN and its external partners took part in 24 ministerial-level meetings.
ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming Timor-Leste as the 11th member during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, following the decision made at the 46th Summit.
Ministers pledged their support to help Timor-Leste accelerate its early accession to key ASEAN economic agreements, facilitating its full integration into the regional bloc.
“We look forward to Timor-Leste fulfilling its responsibilities as a new member state and upholding ASEAN’s core principles,” the communiqué stated.
Additionally, ministers praised Timor-Leste’s active participation as an Observer in ASEAN meetings, its commitment to full membership, and its efforts to meet all requirements outlined in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. “We encouraged Timor-Leste to continue enhancing its institutional capacities and deepen cooperation with all ASEAN Sectoral Bodies to fulfill ASEAN membership obligations,” the statement added.
The bloc further urged Timor-Leste to persist in aligning its domestic policies, processes, and frameworks with ASEAN agreements, ensuring a smooth and effective integration.
“We anticipate Timor-Leste’s significant contribution to implementing ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, recognizing that its integration efforts will strengthen ASEAN’s resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability,” the statement said.
ASEAN also welcomed the establishment of the Timor-Leste Unit within the ASEAN Secretariat, which will be a key mechanism to support its integration into ASEAN structures, and to assist and monitor the full implementation of the Roadmap.
“We encouraged ongoing engagement and support from ASEAN Member States to facilitate Timor-Leste’s transition towards full membership and to assist its continued progress in fulfilling the Roadmap post-admission,” the communiqué concluded.
