The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar released a statement on 1 February responding to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, Philippines welcoming ASEAN’s continued focus on Myanmar. The NUG statement also urged stronger, results-oriented implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to ensure civilian protection, political legitimacy, and inclusive humanitarian assistance.
The statement is as follows.
The National Unity Government (NUG) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar takes note of the recent deliberations by the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the Retreat in Cebu, Philippines. We welcome the sustained attention given to the Myanmar crisis and express our support for the Philippines’ 2026 Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which underscores the necessity of a resilient and people-centered ASEAN.
The NUG reaffirms its commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the primary regional framework for peace. We recognize the efforts of the ASEAN Troika, comprising the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, to ensure continuity and a unified regional response. However, as the year 2026 marks a critical juncture for our nation, we highlight the following priorities to ensure that diplomatic efforts translate into safety for the people of Myanmar:
(a) Operationalizing Peace and Security Anchors
The NUG echoes the concerns of the ASEAN Chair regarding the continued lack of substantive progress on the ground. For the “Peace and Security Anchors” of this year’s Chairmanship to be realized, it is essential to move from reaffirming the 5PC to establishing clear, measurable benchmarks for the cessation of violence. We invite ASEAN to work with all legitimate stakeholders to develop monitoring mechanisms that ensure civilian protection is not merely a goal, but a requirement.
(b) Ensuring Political Legitimacy and Credibility
The NUG underscores that any political or electoral process must be preceded by a cessation of hostilities and an inclusive environment for political participation. We welcome ASEAN’s principled stance on not recognizing unilateral processes that lack popular support or legal legitimacy. Meaningful dialogue and federal aspirations must serve as the foundation for any sustainable political pathway.
(c) Principled and Inclusive Humanitarian Assistance
We acknowledge the vital role of the AHA Centre and the progress made in humanitarian coordination. To be effective, aid must be principled and needs- based. We emphasize that coordination with democratic and ethnic stakeholders, who currently provide essential services and governance to significant portions of the country, is the most effective way to reach conflict-affected communities without discrimination.
(d) Strengthening the Troika and Special Envoy Mandate
The NUG supports a robust and empowered mandate for the ASEAN Special Envoy. We encourage the strengthening of the Troika mechanism to maintain the diplomatic momentum initiated by Malaysia and continued by the Philippines. Expanding formal and informal engagement with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the NUG and Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs), remains essential to reflect the evolving political realities on the ground.
The National Unity Government remains steadfast in its vision of a peaceful, federal, and democratic Myanmar. We stand ready to engage constructively with the ASEAN Chair, the Troika, and the Special Envoy to achieve our shared objectives of regional stability and the dignity of the Myanmar people.
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