He said the invitation was extended to the groups last month, Bernama reported.

“I’ve started (the talks) and I urge my counterparts to send their teams, officials and military intelligence personnel to continue to engage,” he said during a question-and-answer session following his special address at the Shangri-La Dialogue here.

When asked about the possibility of elections in Myanmar, Anwar said the immediate priority is to ensure peace, security and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

He noted that Asean leaders have continued to push for an extended ceasefire and the protection of all humanitarian aid workers.

“If the elections are fair and more inclusive and do not exclude parties, then, of course, we are ready to accept, although (the process) may not be perfect,” he added.

Myanmar’s State Administration Council announced in March that they will hold a general election either in December this year or January 2026 at the latest, according to international media reports.