Naypyidaw with Dhaka
Myanmar Ambassador in Dhaka U Lwin Oo has said they are working actively with Bangladesh on the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland.
“The disputes that emerge between the neighbouring countries must be resolved amicably through bilateral negotiations,” he said.
The envoy was addressing a reception marking the 70th anniversary of Myanmar's independence at a hotel in the capital on Thursday night.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present as the chief guest.
The Myanmar envoy said terrorism and extremism constitute one of the most serious threats to civilised world. “We can't condone terrorism in any form and manifestation.”
He claimed that men from the villages in Rakhine State were recruited to join the terrorists and militants in fighting the security forces.
“Many… had been intimidated to flee to Bangladesh by those extremists so that they can attract international attention,” said the ambassador.
He said Bangladesh also faced similar terror attacks. “We welcome Bangladesh's zero tolerance policy against terrorism and militancy.”
He said Myanmar consistently pursues a policy of good relations with all countries, especially with the neighbouring ones, including Bangladesh, based on five principles of co-existence.
“Myanmar and Bangladesh can be a bridge between South and Southeast Asia,” he added.
He said air, land and sea connectivity between the two countries can play an important role in the increasingly globalised world. “I hope the friendly relations and cooperation… would continue to grow in the days to come.”
Speaking on the occasion, Asaduzzaman Noor said Bangladesh and Myanmar are working together on Rohingya repatriation. The repatriation process will be completed smoothly, he hoped.
The number of Rohingya arrivals from Myanmar to Bangladesh, since August 25 last year, now stands over 688,000, indicating that Rohingyas are still coming despite a repatriation plan in progress.
On January 16, the two countries signed a document on a “physical arrangement” that will facilitate return of Rohingyas to their homeland.
The arrangement stipulates that the repatriation process will be completed preferably within two years from its commencement.
The foreign ministry officials in Dhaka said the verification and return of Rohingyas will be based on the family as a unit. Bangladesh and Myanmar also finalised the “form” for verification.
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