Deputy Minister U Hau Do Suan Participates in Trilateral Informal Vice-Ministerial Meeting Among Myanmar, China and Bangladesh Held Via Videoconference

Deputy Minister for International Cooperation U Hau Do Suan participated in the Trilateral Informal Vice-Ministerial Meeting among Myanmar, China and Bangladesh which was held via videoconference from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon.

The Chinese delegation led by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Luo Zhaohui, and the Bangladesh delegation headed by Mr Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, also attended the said meeting via videoconference from their respective capitals.

The leaders of the delegations discussed and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation for expeditious implementation of bilateral agreements signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh for the repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State, resettlement of displaced persons currently residing near Myanmar-Bangladesh border and repatriation of verified displaced persons, including those of Hindu faith. Furthermore, they also touched on holding of related meetings and to implement the repatriation process in accordance with the bilateral agreements.

At the meeting, the Deputy Minister underscored the need for Bangladesh to strictly adhere to the bilateral agreements for the repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State to overcome the difficulties in the repatriation process. He informed the meeting that Myanmar has made all necessary arrangements for the repatriation and reaffirmed Myanmar’s readiness to receive the verified displaced persons in line with the bilateral agreements. He stated that as the Pilot Project is underway for the repatriation of displaced persons, Myanmar is willing to commence the process with verified displaced persons who will be repatriated under the Pilot Project. He urged Bangladesh to expeditiously repatriate displaced persons of Hindu faith who have expressed their desire to return to Myanmar. He also called for Bangladesh’s cooperation in the resettlement of displaced persons who are currently residing in the proximity of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border and highlighted the need for prospective returnees to fill up and sign the agreed forms, containing two points to ensure that their voluntariness to return and obligation to abide by the existing laws of Myanmar.

The Deputy Minister urged Bangladesh to address the issue of terrorist elements intimidating and posing threats to the displaced persons not to return to Myanmar. He thanked the Government of China for its facilitating role in the repatriation process.—MNA