Myanmar and Bangladesh highlight increased cooperation in cross-border related issues through existing bilateral mechanisms

Myanmar and Bangladesh highlight increased cooperation in cross-border related issues through existing bilateral mechanisms
THE Fourth Meeting of Myanmar-Bangladesh Joint Working Group (JWG) on the repatriation of displaced persons from Bangladesh is in process in Nay Pyi Taw on May 3. (MOFA)
THE Fourth Meeting of Myanmar-Bangladesh Joint Working Group (JWG) on the repatriation of displaced persons from Bangladesh is in process in Nay Pyi Taw on May 3. (MOFA)
Published 5 May 2019
EMG reporter

THE Fourth Meeting of Myanmar-Bangladesh Joint Working Group (JWG) on the repatriation of displaced persons from Bangladesh was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw on 3 May.

The meeting was co-chaired by U Myint Thu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar and Mr. Mahbub Uz Zaman, Secretary-Bilateral (Asia and the Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.

At the Meeting, both sides discussed on the arrangements for the safe and voluntary repatriation of verified displaced persons, prevalence of rule of law and security in Rakhine State, provision of healthcare services and access to education, status of verification for the displaced persons.

They also discussed on cooperation with UN Agencies, ASEAN and other partners in the process of repatriation, resettlement and reintegration, systematic repatriation of prospective returnees, and collaboration to combat terrorism and extremism.

Both sides also deliberated on enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including drug-trafficking and cross-border related issues, through the existing bilateral mechanisms. Any issues related to repatriation should be resolved with the task force mechanism between the two sides.

Myanmar delegation reiterated that repatriation of verified displaced persons will be based on the bilateral agreements, including the “Arrangement on Return of the Displaced Persons from Rakhine State” and the “Physical Arrangement for Repatriation of Displaced Myanmar Residents from Bangladesh under the Arrangement on Return of the Displaced Persons from Rakhine State” signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Myanmar delegation reaffirmed that only bilateral cooperation will resolve the issues between neighbours and reiterated its readiness to take back the verified displaced persons through the agreed bilateral mechanism.

Myanmar delegation also apprised the meeting on the efforts taken by Myanmar Government to restore peace, stability and development in Rakhine State as well as Myanmar’s recent cooperation with the ASEAN and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) in identifying possible areas of cooperation to facilitate the repatriation process.

The date and venue for the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Working Groups will be communicated through the diplomatic channel.

Edited by WH