By Syed Zainul
Abedin
July 4, 2017
Economic development
could help reduce tension among the two communities in Rakhine and contribute
in resolving the problems
Myanmar National
Security Adviser U Thaung Tun has agreed on the importance of commencing
bilateral discussion on repatriation of Myanmar residents from Bangladesh.
U Thaung Tun came
with the view during his meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali Sunday
evening at the State Guest House Padma. Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and
Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Sufiur Rahman were present at the meeting.
The Myanmar national
security adviser is visiting Bangladesh on the invitation of Bangladesh Foreign
Minister on July 2-4, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.
During the meeting,
the security adviser expressed the Myanmar government’s desire to further develop
bilateral relations with Bangladesh and address the differences between the two
neighbours through discussion.
He also put emphasis
on enhancing cooperation between the countries in the security sector and
expressed happiness on recently held meetings among defence and border forces.
He opined that
economic development could help reduce tension among the two communities in
Rakhine and contribute in resolving the problems.
Foreign Minister
Mahmood Ali reiterated Bangladesh’s desire for developing a relationship of
trust and mutual benefit with the neighbour and stressed on the need for
engaging in frank discussion to build convergence where there are differences
of opinion.
He asserted that
Bangladesh maintains zero tolerance to any activity targeted against neighbours
by non-state actors and never allows her territory to be used for any activity
inimical to the interest of Myanmar.
The foreign minister
assured continuation of assistance in security stabilisation in bordering
areas.
Mahmood highlighted
some aspects of sub-regional cooperation in South Asia and viewed that
Bangladesh and Myanmar could derive immense benefit from such cooperation
regionally and under Bimstec.
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.
The two dignitaries
appreciated provision of humanitarian support like cyclone shelters and
ambulances that Bangladesh has offered for the people of Rakhine state out of
pledged assistance by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They found merit in
Solar-Home System for households in remote or off-grid areas. Bangladesh
offered to install some SHSs in Rakhine.
The two dignitaries
agreed on the importance of overcoming engagement deficit and of higher-level
visits to strengthen trust and to seek convergence on issues of mutual
importance.
Myanmar’s security
adviser also met Home Minister Md Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday afternoon. He is
scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Source: http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2017/07/04/myanmar-nsa-discussion-rohingya-repatriation-important/
Bangladesh, Myanmar
understand ‘importance’ of Rohingya repatriation: http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/07/04/bangladesh-myanmar-understand-importance-of-rohingya-repatriation