On 21 April 2024, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, met with H.E. Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, during his visit to the Lao PDR.

Both sides were pleased with the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Escalation of Conflicts in Myanmar on 18 April 2024 and agreed that ASEAN needs to step up its engagement in light of ongoing developments in Myanmar so as to maintain centrality in safeguarding peace and stability in the region. Laos Chair will consult closely with all ASEAN member states on the next steps.

Both sides shared concerns about the fighting in the Myawaddy area and stressed the urgent need for all parties to de-escalate and bring about a cessation of armed hostilities in Myawaddy to prevent negative impacts on the people along the Thailand - Myanmar border.

Special Envoy Alounkeo commended Thailand’s cross-border humanitarian initiative and ongoing effort to provide humanitarian assistance to those who have fled fighting onto the Thai side of the border.