Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo ABE received Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services at his office on October 9, according to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services.

Both sides were centered on promotion of bilateral relations between the two armed forces, the occurrence of terrorist acts in Rakhine State and the efforts of the Tatmadaw to control the situation in accord with the law, unilateral ceasefire made by the Tatmadaw for internal peace and development and the holding of peace negotiations, cooperation in regional peace and global peace, promotion of bilateral relations between the two countries, Japanese assistance for Myanmar Tatmadaw to become a standard army, and cementing of bilateral relations between the two armed forces which have a long history, according to the announcement.

Lt-Gen Nyo Saw and Lt-Gen Soe Htut from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Myanmar Ambassador to Japan Myint Thu and Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) Col. Tin Soe attended the meeting. The Japanese Prime Minister was accompanied by officials.

The Senior General and party proceeded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Toshimitsu MOTEGI.

They discussed about Japanese assistance in Rakhine issue and peace process with friendly spirit, the emergence of internal armed groups and their diverse backgrounds, efforts for the resettlement of displaced persons of the refugee camps at the respective places, perspectives in connection with the security of Indo Pacific regional security, dealing with regional threats and international cooperation in ensuring a world free from nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, the cooperation of Tatmadaw in the works of independent investigation commission, the duty of the armed forces of all countries to fully protect the national security and property and lives of the people, it said.

The senior general was welcomed by Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces General Koji YAMASAKI with a guard-of-honour on October 9.

The Senior General and General Koji YAMASAKI held a meeting at the parlour. Both sides exchanged cordial views on the strengthening of the existing friendship between Myanmar and Japan and between the two armed forces, promotion of defence cooperation, exchange of trainees and issues related to internal and international peace and natural disaster prevention.

Next, an official of Japan Self Defence Forces presented reports on defence measures of the Ministry of Defence of Japan, regional security efforts, steps to promote defence matters, good relations and cooperation between Myanmar and Japan to the Senior General who raised questions about the matters he would like to know, it said.