Myanmar and Bangladesh have stressed the need for building trust to address differences through discussions between the two next-door neighbours and further develop bilateral relations.
Visiting Myanmar national security adviser Thaung Tun expressed, in his separate meetings with Bangladesh foreign and home ministers on Sunday and Monday respectively, the intent of the country to address the differences through discussions and enhancing cooperation in the security sector with Bangladesh.
Tun also agreed on the importance of commencing bilateral discussion on repatriation of Myanmar residents from Bangladesh, according to a foreign ministry press release issued on Monday.
Tun was in Dhaka on a three-day visit starting on Sunday at the invitation of foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali.
He said that economic development could help reduce tension among the two communities in Rakhine and contribute to resolution of problems.
Foreign minister Ali stressed the need for trust building for sustainable repatriation of Myanmar nationals with addressing root causes of the crisis by creating a congenial atmosphere for return of the minority Muslims to their ancestral homes in Rakhine state.
Aung San Suu Kyi-led government created the new national security adviser position, with the status of a union minister, to advise the Myanmar government on internal and external threats as its armed forces were engaged in ‘security operations’ in western Rakhine state as well as north and east zones of the country.
Ali also reiterated Bangladesh’s desire for developing a relationship of trust and mutual benefit with Myanmar and stressed the need for engaging in frank discussion to build convergence where there were differences of opinion.
He asserted that Bangladesh maintained zero tolerance to any activity targeted against neighbours by non-state actors and never allowed her territory to be used for any activity inimical to the interest of Myanmar.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s willingness to deepen cooperation in sectoral areas and expected positive response from Myanmar to Bangladesh’s proposals on energy and transport connectivity.
Myanmar adviser appreciated Bangladesh’s offer for humanitarian support like cyclone shelters and ambulances for the people of Rakhine State.
Foreign secretary M Shahidul Haque and Bangladesh ambassador to Myanmar Sufiur Rahman were present at the meeting with foreign minister.
Myanmar adviser called on home minister Md Asaduzzaman Khan at his office on Monday afternoon.
Khan assured Tun, in their one hour meeting, of continued assistance from Bangladesh in security stabilisation in bordering areas with Myanmar, officials said.
At least 74,000 minority Muslims, out of 92,000, widely known as Rohingyas, who fled indiscriminate killing, rape, arson and violence by Myanmar security forces in Rakhine state, entered Bangladesh since October 9, 2016, according to UNHCR estimates.
Some 3 lakh Myanmar nationals have been living in a refugee-like-situation in makeshift shelters in Cox’s Bazar for years while 33,148 registered refugees from Myanmar have been living in registered camps for several years in the bordering districts.
Myanmar government did not keep its commitment regarding repatriation of over 9,000 refugees from Bangladesh in 2014.
Tun would pay courtesy call on prime minister Sheikh Hasina this morning before leaving Dhaka in the afternoon.
Report: New Age
