SOUTH EAST ASIAAsia News Network

Cambodian premier’s visit to Myanmar sets tone of upcoming ASEAN retreat

Myanmar’s regime was excluded from last year’s ASEAN Summit due to the lack of progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus.

Hun Sen also urged Japan to step in by joining a group called “Friends of Myanmar” organised by 2021 ASEAN chair Brunei.

While the common narrative surrounds RCEP’s benefits, there are drawbacks. But Cambodia is willing to look past them for the greater good

He made the remarks during his visit to Myanmar in a bid to end the ongoing crisis and bring the country back to future ASEAN summits.

Hun Sen reiterated that his visit to Myanmar was to press for a prolonged ceasefire in the country and the equitable distribution of aid.

Both sides also reached a consensus to maintain a common stance on strategic issues related to peace and stability of the region.

Some rights groups have made statements critical of the visit, saying Hun Sen was risking a rupture among ASEAN member states.

The talks comes as Hun Sen prepares for a much-anticipated visit to the country on Jan 7 in a bid to bring it back to the ASEAN fold.

The writer says the emerging cold war between China and the United States is being fought in part in the South China Sea.

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen will visit Myanmar on Friday and Saturday in an effort to defuse the crisis.