Asean appoints Brunei diplomat Erywan Yusof as envoy to Myanmar

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), beset with questions about internal unity said it was appointing Erywan Yusof, Brunei’s second minister for foreign affairs, as a special envoy to junta-ruled Myanmar. The decision came two days after its 10 foreign ministers, including a representative of the Myanmar junta, held virtual talks among themselves as part of a weeklong series of meetings.

Singapore-based diplomatic observer Dylan Loh said while there had been “unrealistic expectations” put on Asean to quickly resolve the crisis, Brunei as chair had thus far acted in a proactive manner. “The way I see it, as long as Myanmar is on the table and Asean is willing to lead on this issue, there is always hope that the situation can improve,” said Loh, an assistant professor of public policy and global affairs at the NTU. “All things considered, some progress can be considered good progress.”

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Photo: Saw Wunna on Unsplash