Japan-Myanmar Relations

(a) In the beginning, President Win Myint welcomed the visit by Foreign Minister Kono, and stated that he believed this second visit by Foreign Minister Kono would be successful, that Japan and Myanmar had friendly and close relationship, and that friendship and cooperation between the people of the two countries were also developing.

(b) In response, Foreign Minister Kono expressed gratitude for receiving condolences for the damage caused by torrential rain in western Japan, conveyed his condolences to the people affected by the flooding in southern Myanmar, and stated that the Government of Japan had decided to provide water tanks and tents in response to the request by the Government of Myanmar. He also stated that he was aware that President Win Myint was taking the lead toward eliminating corruption and establishing the rule of law. He also said that Japan would continue to provide maximum support for democratic nation building of Myanmar, that peace and stability in Rakhine State was important for nation building of Myanmar, and that Japan would continue to support Myanmar’s efforts.

(a) Regarding the situation in Rakhine State, emphasizing that the actions by the Government of Myanmar in the coming several months would be the key, Foreign Minister Kono stated that it was important to assure transparent investigation by the Independent Commission of Enquiry, appropriate closure of the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps around Sittwe in Rakhine State, cooperation with the UN agencies including commencement of their activities on the ground for enabling early repatriation of the displaced persons, and progress in creating environment for resettlement. Also, he conveyed that Japan would provide support in the planned resettlement sites, based on needs.

(b) In response, President Win Myint stated that the Independent Commission of Enquiry could conduct its activities with transparency, that he had been working on establishing the rule of law since the current administration was established, that all citizens must be treated fairly under the law, and that Myanmar was ready to cooperate with the UN agencies. He also expressed gratitude for Japan’s understanding on Myanmar’s efforts.

(a) In the beginning, Foreign Minister Kono expressed gratitude for receiving condolences for the damage caused by torrential rain in western Japan. He also conveyed his condolences to the people affected by the flooding in southern Myanmar, and stated that the Government of Japan had decided to provide water tanks and tents in response to the request from the Government of Myanmar. He also said that Japan would consistently implement assistance programs centering on urban development in Yangon, transportation, and electricity. He also stated that he was looking forward to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to Japan to participate in the Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting scheduled on October 8-9, 2018 in Tokyo.

(b) In response, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, stated that although both Myanmar and Japan were facing flood damage, both countries had mutual understanding and sympathy, and expressed gratitude for support from Japan. She also stated that development of Yangon was important for Myanmar’s development, and that she was looking forward to visiting Japan and participating in the Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting in October.

(a) Foreign Minister Kono, regarding the situation in Rakhine State, emphasizing that the actions by the Government of Myanmar in the coming several months would be the key, stated the following five points; (i) that he welcomed the establishment of the Independent Commission of Enquiry that includes international members and expected that the commission would surely implement transparent investigation in a credible manner; (ii) that it was important to close IDP camps around Sittwe in Rakhine State, in an appropriate manner and make progress in their resettlement, initially of those with citizenship; (iii) that he appreciated the conclusion of the MOU with the UNHCR and the UNDP, and cooperation with these UN agencies was crucial; (iv) that he expected that the Government of Myanmar would construct houses swiftly in the process of creating environment for resettlement and that Japan was ready to provide items needed by each household in the planned resettlement sites; and (v) that he expected the Government of Myanmar to continue to hold briefings on the conditions of preparation for repatriation to the displaced persons in the camps in Bangladesh. He also explained the current status of Japan’s assistance in Rakhine State including power supply and school construction, and that Japan would coordinate its efforts in order to expand such assistance in Rakhine State.

(b) In response, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi stated that the Government of Myanmar was ready to cooperate with the activities of the Independent Commission of Enquiry, that it was necessary to ensure the safety of resettlement areas for appropriate closure of IDP camps around Sittwe, that regarding cooperation with the UN agencies it was important for both sides to take actions in accordance with the MOU signed by the Government of Myanmar, UNHCR and UNDP, and that the Government of Myanmar was committed to its implementation. She also responded that she understood the importance of the prompt implementation of the proposals offered by Minister Kono, and that the Government of Myanmar would put them in execution.