Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing is expected to visit Malaysia during October as the two countries continue discussions on the repatriation of displaced people and refugees, Malaysian state-run media reported on September 30.

Malaysia repatriated nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals on September 29 using three vessels sent by the Myanmar government. According to Bernama, Malaysia’s Communications Minister and government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said U Min Aung Hlaing is among several foreign leaders expected to visit Malaysia this month. Fahmi also said Malaysia is planning to repatriate another 3,524 people to Myanmar as part of the second phase of its refugee repatriation program.

He added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would soon hold discussions with Myanmar to support the return of Myanmar refugees to their country.

Anwar rejected allegations that Malaysia was repatriating refugees without sufficient consideration for their safety. He said continued negotiations were necessary to address the long-running issues.

“We are not simply sending them back. We are engaging in negotiations before repatriating them,” Anwar was quoted as saying by Bernama.