Manila, Jan. 22 -- The Philippines has hosted a meeting among political and ethnic groups from Myanmar, the first under its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a statement Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Myanmar Stakeholders' Meeting, held earlier this month in Tagaytay City, was organized by DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in her capacity as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar.

The meeting gathered multiple groups from the Southeast Asian state, with participants exchanging views on how to advance de-escalation, facilitate humanitarian assistance, effectively address transnational crime and foster political dialogue among relevant stakeholders.

The meeting also re...