The Republic of the Union of Myanmar hosted the Retreat of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on 19 December 2016 in Yangon.H.E. Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Foreign Minister of the Lao PDR, as Chair of ASEAN presided over this informal Meeting. During the Meeting, H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar informed the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on recent and current developments in Rakhine State and the efforts undertaken by the Government of Myanmar in addressing difficulties and challenges facing it in the said State, including Myanmar’s cooperation with the international community especially with the United Nation’s agencies such as the establishment of the Central Committee on Implementation of Peace, Stability and Development in Rakhine State and Advisory Commission led by Dr. Kofi Anna, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In addition, the State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi informed the Meeting of the progress made in resolving the issue in Rakhine State. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers took note of the briefing and discussed how to assist Myanmar, including the provision of humanitarian assistance, and expressed their readiness to help Myanmar through bilateral or other channels as necessary.

At the end of the Meeting, Minister Saleumxay KOMMASITH expressed the Lao PDR’s sincere thanks to all ASEAN Member States for the close cooperation, continued support and assistance extended to the Lao PDR throughout its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2016 with fruitful conclusion. Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship will come to an end on 31 December 2016 and the Lao PDR will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship again in 2024.