MANILA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Friday appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as special envoy to facilitate a peaceful solution to the Myanmar crisis, as the Philippines assumes the chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.
During the national launching of the country's ASEAN chairship in 2026, Marcos said the Philippines will continue to champion peace, stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues.
"We believe that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as a force for peace and progress in the global community," Marcos said.
Marcos expressed confidence that Lazaro will bring a "constructive, principled, and inclusive approach" to supporting the people of Myanmar, guided by the mandate she was given and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
The 5PC is a roadmap for peace in Myanmar that was agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in 2021. ■