Over the subsequent month, Laos will take over the 2024 ASEAN chairmanship from Indonesia, despite all of the challenges the regional organization still faces. One of the important challenges is the continuing crisis in Myanmar, which has not yet been resolved throughout the ASEAN bloc.
In 2021, the conflict in Myanmar escalated with a military coup against the elected government. The attack was motivated by claims that the 2020 general election results were illegal, resulting in a yr of state of emergency.
Despite the efforts of previous chairs comparable to Brunei in 2021, Cambodia in 2022 and Indonesia in 2023, analysts continued to doubt Laos’ ability to effectively address the situation.
At the closing ceremony of the forty third ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in September 2023, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially handed over the subsequent ASEAN chairmanship to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Laos will due to this fact assume responsibility for the ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
Kin Phea, director of the Institute of International Relations of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that although Laos will assume the role of ASEAN chairman next yr, resolving the crisis in Myanmar might be a challenge. The solution will depend upon cooperation in implementing the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, which was previously agreed to by Myanmar’s military commander, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Phea stated that finding an answer to the Myanmar crisis might be difficult without the lively participation of Myanmar stakeholders. The resolution process requires the commitment, dedication and sincerity of all parties enthusiastic about resolving Myanmar’s internal crisis.
Moreover, he emphasized that geopolitics and the role of key countries and the international community have a big impact on the resolution. When different powers support opposing sides, resolving the crisis becomes more complicated. However, unity and coherence within the position of the five everlasting members of the UN Security Council is seen as a crucial key to making a coherent approach.
Phea stressed the necessity for ASEAN and the UN to take a more proactive and constructive stance on the situation in Burma, while upholding the principle of non-interference and dealing towards a peaceful resolution for the people of Burma.
As a rustic bordering China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, Laos will chair ASEAN for the third time in 2024, having previously held the position in 2004 and 2016.
The 2024 Laos Chairmanship theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” reflects Laos’ commitment to developing ASEAN as a more connected and resilient bloc. Although Laos is a comparatively small country with limited political influence, it desires to follow Indonesia’s example in constructing a more connected and resilient ASEAN.
Source: Phnom Penh Post Office | Times of Laos
