ASEAN expresses support for Myanmar

February 7, 2018

Foreign Ministers issue statement backing humanitarian relief programme in Rakhine State

ASEAN foreign ministers pledged their support for Myanmar’s humanitarian relief effort in Rakhine State, according to the Union Minister for International Cooperation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Kyaw Tin, who returned to Nay Pyi Taw yesterday after attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held in Singapore on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the ASEAN Chair, the ASEAN Ministers expressed their continued support for Myanmar’s humanitarian relief programme in Rakhine State and welcomed the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre)’s ongoing work with the Myanmar Government-led mechanism to deliver humanitarian assistance to all displaced inhabitants without discrimination. ASEAN also welcomed the Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State between Myanmar and Bangladesh signed on 23 November 2017, as well as the establishment of the Advisory Board for the implementation of the recommendations on Rakhine State. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers, among others, expressed their support to the Myanmar Government in its efforts to bring peace, stability, rule of law and to promote harmony and reconciliation among the various communities, as well as sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State.

Union Minister U Kyaw Tin attended the working dinner hosted by Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held on Tuesday together with other ASEAN Foreign Ministers.

At the Retreat, the ministers discussed Singapore’s initiative under the theme of “Resilience and Innovation” as well as priorities of Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship including its proposal of ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for the resilient and innovative ASEAN, creation of ASEAN Smart Cities Network, and strengthening of Cyber Security cooperation among ASEAN member states. They also discussed follow up to the 31st ASEAN Summit and exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

Union Minister U Kyaw Tin also briefed the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in an informal setting on the recent developments in Rakhine State and Myanmar’s efforts in preparation for the return of the displaced people.

In his briefing, Union Minister U Kyaw Tin stressed that the current humanitarian situation in Rakhine State was caused by brutal terrorist attacks against 30 police outposts, not by clashes between the two communities. The issue of Rakhine was not a religious one, but a political and economic issue involving illegal migration, rule of law, resources competition and poverty.

At a time when the Myanmar government has been exerting serious efforts to resolve the issue, the ARSA terrorist group has worsened the situation through provocative acts and disinformation campaign, the minister said. The Union Minister emphasised the need for ASEAN to assist Myanmar in enhancing humanitarian assistance and in implementation of Dr. Kofi Annan Commission’s recommendations in the needed areas and not to support actions that could inflame the already complex situation and further polarise the two communities.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar