Asean Myanmar Affairs
Myanmar(Asean MyanmarAffairs) was invited to become a member of ASEAN in 1967 when the association of South-East Asian Nations was founded. But due to the policies and priorities of Asean Myanmar and then international and regional situations, Myanmar placed greater emphasis on promoting bilateral ties with ASEAN member countries rather than the entry to ASEAN. In line with the present changes in the international situation and in consonance with policies, aims and objectives, Myanmar government started to work earnestly for regional cooperation.
Accordingly, Asean Myanmar took steps for its entry into the regional grouping, ASEAN. Myanmar attended the 27th ASEAN ministerial meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, in July 1994 as a guest of the host country. Myanmar also attended as guest of the host nation the 28th ASEAN Ministerial meeting held in Brunei in July 1995. At the meeting, Myanmar signed the Friendship and cooperation Agreement and applied for observer status in the ASEAN as an Asean Myanmar affairs.
Accordingly, Asean Myanmar took steps for its entry into the regional grouping, ASEAN. Myanmar attended the 27th ASEAN ministerial meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, in July 1994 as a guest of the host country. Myanmar also attended as guest of the host nation the 28th ASEAN Ministerial meeting held in Brunei in July 1995. At the meeting, Myanmar signed the Friendship and cooperation Agreement and applied for observer status in the ASEAN as an Asean Myanmar affairs.
Myanmar State peace and development council senior general Than Shwe attended the informal summit of South-East Asian Nations held in Bangkok, Thailand, in December 1995 and signed the agreement on establishing a South-East Asian Nuclear Free Zone. At the 29th ASEAN ministerial meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia in July1996, Myanmar became an observer nation of ASEAN, and also a member of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Asean Myanmar applied for full fledged membership of ASEAN in August 1996. In order to provide guidance in Myanmar ASEAN affairs, the ASEAN Steering committee headed by Lt General Khin Nyunt was formed in October 1996. The Summit Meeting of the Ten South-East Asian Nations held from 30 November to 1 December 1996 decided to accept Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar as ASEAN member nations. Thus, Myanmar became a full fledged member of ASEAN at the acceptance ceremony held in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, on 23rd July 1997.
Myanmar has played an active part in ASEAN and regional affairs. The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe attended the First Informal Summit of ASEAN held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 1st December 1996. He also attended the second informal summit meeting of ASEAN held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 14 to 16 December 1996 as well as the meting of heads of state and held of Government of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea.
Myanmar has played an active part in ASEAN and regional affairs. The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe attended the First Informal Summit of ASEAN held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 1st December 1996. He also attended the second informal summit meeting of ASEAN held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 14 to 16 December 1996 as well as the meting of heads of state and held of Government of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea.
As a member of ASEAN, Myanmar will be able to present its views and stand through ASEAN to the blocs that are bent on making unfair allegations and threats, can have more Myanmar economic opportunities with the help of Member nations and it will no longer be necessary to pay heed to the other half of the globe for investment as there will be greater cooperation among friendly nations of the region in every field. These are the benefits that can be gained as an ASEAN member for Myanmar.
