Bangkok: Top diplomats from Southeast Asian nations will hold a rare meeting with their counterpart from Myanmar in the Thai capital over the weekend, the Philippines said Friday. This marks the first time since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold an in-person engagement at the foreign minister level with the Buddhist-majority nation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Philippines, as the current chair of the 11-member bloc, described the engagement as an "informal" meeting and announced that it will be hosted by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Bangkok. The ASEAN foreign ministers are set to receive a briefing from U Tin Maung Swe on developments in Myanmar, as per a statement from the Filipino Foreign Ministry.

The meeting is expected to facilitate an exchange of views on ASEAN's engagement with Myanmar and explore possible concrete steps through which Myanmar may address concerns over the cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among concerned parties, and humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, as outlined in the Five-Point Consensus (5PCs).

Last month, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan indicated that Myanmar's newly appointed government appeared "more open" to suggestions than the previous regime. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who led the military coup that deposed the National League for Democracy government in February 2021, assumed the presidency and appointed a new Cabinet in April.

Soon after the February 2021 coup, ASEAN issued the 5PCs, which call on all parties in Myanmar to cease violence and "exercise utmost restraint." Under the 5PCs, ASEAN also provides humanitarian assistance to Myanmar through its Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, while its special envoy is tasked with undertaking visits to Myanmar to "meet with all parties concerned."