Laos, currently holding the presidency of ASEAN, is set to co-host an international conference aimed at restarting dialogue to address Myanmar's political crisis. This conference, organized in collaboration with Indonesia and Malaysia, comes as the region continues to deal with the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, which has led to ongoing violence and a humanitarian crisis. The announcement was made by Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane.

ASEAN had previously issued a five-point plan in 2021, calling for the cessation of violence and dialogue between the military government and resistance forces. However, progress has stalled, with both sides refusing to engage. Some ASEAN members have not recognized Myanmar’s military government, and since 2022, Myanmar has been excluded from ASEAN summits at the political level. The upcoming conference aims to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts, with participation from ASEAN, the European Union, and the United Nations.

With Laos taking the lead in 2024 as ASEAN chair, the conference is seen as a critical step in reigniting regional diplomacy and seeking a peaceful solution to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.

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