The leader of Myanmar’s military-backed government was in the country to meet with its leaders in his latest effort to normalise relations with other members of Asean, as critics warn the visit could weaken the bloc’s collective efforts to address Myanmar’s conflicts.
Min Aung Hlaing has stepped up his engagements to normalise diplomatic relations and secure international legitimacy since he was sworn in as president in April following an election that critics say was designed to cement the military’s hold on power.
The outreach is part of an attempt to rebuild regional ties that deteriorated after Hlaing ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021 while serving as army chief.
Friday’s trip is Hlaing’s fourth visit to an Asean member state as he seeks to restore his standing within the bloc, to which Myanmar and Cambodia belong.
State-run MRTV television said Hlaing landed at Techo International Airport in the capital, Phnom Penh, on Friday morning.
His two-day visit with members of his Cabinet included meetings with Cambodia’s powerful former leader Hun Sen who is now the president of the Senate, Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior officials.
At the separate meetings with Hun Sen and Hun Manet, Min Aung Hlaing emphasised that Myanmar was working to strengthen cooperation within Asean, MRTV said. — AP
