Cambodia Welcomes Myanmar New Year Amnesty for Thousands
Cambodia Welcomes Myanmar New Year Amnesty for Thousands
PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — Cambodia on Wednesday welcomed Myanmar’s release of more than 4,000 prisoners under a New Year amnesty, calling the move a positive step toward dialogue, national reconciliation and the Southeast Asian nation’s return to stability.
In a statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it welcomed the order issued by Myanmar’s president on April 17 granting amnesty to thousands of individuals, including former President U Win Myint, as well as a commutation of the sentence of detained former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Phnom Penh described the releases and sentence reductions as “positive and significant developments” consistent with ASEAN’s expectations, saying they could help create a more conducive environment for political dialogue and national reconciliation.
“Cambodia looks forward to further positive steps that build confidence and advance the cause of peace,” the ministry said.
Cambodia added it was encouraged by recent developments in Myanmar and hoped all parties could work together toward a nationwide ceasefire and broader reconciliation after years of conflict and political turmoil.
The statement reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to work with fellow ASEAN member states under the bloc’s charter and the Five-Point Consensus, the regional roadmap adopted in 2021 to address Myanmar’s crisis.
Phnom Penh said Myanmar’s return to normalcy should come through an inclusive political process that is “led and owned by Myanmar.”
Myanmar has remained largely isolated within ASEAN since the military takeover in 2021 triggered widespread unrest, armed resistance and humanitarian challenges. Regional governments have repeatedly urged progress on dialogue, humanitarian access and an end to violence.
Cambodia, which previously played an active diplomatic role on the Myanmar issue during its ASEAN chairmanship, has continued to advocate engagement alongside regional consensus efforts.
