Thailand hosted two regional meetings with Asian leaders this week, aimed at ending a bloody civil war in Myanmar that has led to a spiraling political and security crisis.

Thursday’s discussions were attended by foreign ministers and high-level representatives from Myanmar and its neighbors, Laos, China, India, Bangladesh and host Thailand. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described their talks as important because it was the first time that Myanmar and all five of its neighbors had met together.

Thailand will host an informal meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this week to discuss the latest situation in strife-torn Myanmar and the way forward.

The foreign minister of Myanmar on Thursday informed a regional meeting of its neighbours of its progress towards holding elections next year in the war-torn country, Thailand's foreign minister said.