Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor PRESS RELEASE

(Dated: 10 August 2018)

Myanmar-Bangladesh Ministerial Meeting was held on 10 August 2018 at Thingaha Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw. The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of the Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor, U Kyaw Tint Sweand the Foreign Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali. Union Ministers U Thein Swe and Dr. Win Myat Aye, officials concerned and delegates from both sides participated in the meeting.

The meeting discussed the implementation of the bilateral agreement, the ‘Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State’signed between the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh in November 2017.

The meeting reached agreement on the following points:-

1. Both parties agreed that there should be early repatriation of displaced person from Rakhine who recently fled to Cox’s Bazar. Repatriation will be in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner. In this regard, a hotline has been established between the Ministers to facilitate ease of discussions.

2. It was agreed to distribute the agreed Verification Forms to those at Cox’s Bazar, for the displaced persons to fill up the forms themselves. Signatures, finger-prints, and photo IDs, are to be completed when filling the forms to indicate voluntary return and assist with Myanmar’s verification process.

3. As agreed in the Arrangement, Myanmar has built two reception centres and one transit camp. Bangladesh has confirmed progress on the five transit camps; one is complete, another under construction, and remaining three to be built.

4. Both parties agreed to intensify cooperation on counter-terrorism and the fight against drug trafficking through exchange of intelligence, closer cooperation between the border-guard officials and conducting enhanced coordinated border patrols.

5. Both parties agreed to cooperate on the issue ofrepatriation of displaced persons currently residing along the international border between Myanmar and Bangladesh, in particular the area between the international border and the fence erected on Myanmar’s territory in an expeditious manner.

6. It was also agreed that any humanitarian aid given to those inhabiting the area on Myanmar’s territory should be given by the aid agencies from Myanmar side.

7. Bangladesh has agreed to revise the language used in the ID cards being issued to those who are currently residing in Cox’s Bazar.

8. They also agree to conduct a joint inspection of the boundary line between the boundary pillars BP34 and BP 35.

Both Ministers reiterated their commitment for closer consultation in resolving the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine State in the spirit of good neighbourliness. They also agreed to promote closer economic and trade relations of interest of both countries.