
A Myanmar junta official has been invited to participate in two upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) events co-chaired by the United States, despite the country’s official stance against recognising the regime’s legitimacy, Myanmar Now has learned.
The first event of the ARF—a platform for discussion and cooperation around regional security issues—is the Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament scheduled to take place in Hawaii from April 29 to May 1. It will be co-chaired by the US, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The second ARF event will focus on maritime security and will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 6, co-chaired by the US, India, and Indonesia.
Both meetings bring together all 27 ARF participants, including Myanmar.
A US State Department spokesperson confirmed to Myanmar Now that the junta had been invited to both meetings by the event’s ASEAN. . .