Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, will travel to Myanmar on Thursday for discussions with the military leadership regarding the country’s planned election and to advocate for progress on a stalled peace initiative.

The visit to the capital, Naypyitaw, is part of Malaysia’s role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the one-day trip, Mohamad is scheduled to meet with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, as well as Myanmar’s prime minister and foreign minister, according to a statement from Malaysia’s foreign ministry.

Previously, Mohamad stated that ASEAN does not consider the proposed election a priority and has instead urged Myanmar to fulfil its commitments under the bloc’s peace plan. The statement said the minister will call on the authorities to implement key components of the plan, including an end to hostilities, unimpeded humanitarian access, and inclusive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar.

Myanmar has experienced widespread conflict and instability since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, which ousted the elected civilian government. Armed resistance to military rule continues across various regions of the country.

In a separate social media post on Thursday, Mohamad noted that recent violations of ceasefire agreements have hampered efforts to advance the peace process, though no specific incidents were mentioned.

On Wednesday, reports from eyewitnesses and human rights groups indicated that at least 20 people were killed in an attack by military forces during a gathering in Myanmar’s central Sagaing region.