Japan-Myanmar Relations

On August 24, commencing at 2:00 p.m. (local time) for approximately one hour, Minister Motegi held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and Union Minister of　Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his appreciation to Myanmar for accepting his visit as the first foreign dignitary amid the travel restrictions due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi stated that it is her pleasure to welcome Minister Motegi.
Minister Motegi also stated that Japan will provide full-fledged support for the Myanmar’s democratic nation building of Myanmar by bringing together both public and private sectors, and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed appreciation for Japan’s assistance.

With regard to response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Minister Motegi stated that the Government of Japan has provided technical assistance, Avigan tablets, and medical supply and equipment assistance equivalent to over US$30 million to Myanmar and has decided to provide an additional 30 billion yen in emergency budget support and 15 billion yen in ODA loans to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Myanmar. In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her gratitude for Japan’s assistance for the COVID-19 response.
The two sides concurred on commencing the “Residence Track” as early as early September, which will enable long term residents to travel between two countries while maintaining the requirement of 14 day quarantine at home or another designated area after their entry in Japan. In addition, the two sides concurred on accelerating coordination through diplomatic channels toward the early commencement of the “Business Track” which will enable business travelers to conduct business activities in limited areas during the 14 days of quarantine. Minister Motegi also stated that Japan would accept the entry to Japan by Japanese Government scholarship students from Myanmar at the earliest timing. In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation.

Regarding the situation of Rakhine State, Minister Motegi stated that Japan will fully support Myanmar’s own efforts to improve the situation. Minister Motegi then expressed his expectation that the investigation and prosecution proceed in a transparent manner based on the recommendations of the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICoE), noted on the importance of steadily implementing the order on provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and remarked on the continued importance of promptly repatriating the displaced persons and creating an environment conductive to the repatriation of the displaced persons. In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed appreciation for Japan’s understanding and support on the Rakhine issue.
Regarding the general election to be held in Myanmar on November 8, Minister Motegi stated that Japan has decided to dispatch an election observer mission led by Mr. SASAKAWA Yohei, Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, and provide special ink to prevent double voting. In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation for Japan’s assistance as well as her determination to ensure a democratic election.
Regarding regional affairs, the two sides exchanged views on the issue of the South China Sea and the issue of North Korea, and concurred on deepening cooperation between the two countries. Regarding the abductions issue, Minister Motegi sought understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution [and obtained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s support.

On August 24, commencing at 4:00 p.m. (local time) for approximately one hour, Minister Motegi held a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

(1) At the outset, Minister Motegi stated that the Government of Japan will continue to provide full-fledged support for the democratic nation building of Myanmar by bringing together both public and private sectors.

(2) Regarding the situation of Rakhine State, Minister Motegi expressed his expectation for progress in the court martial’s investigation and prosecution of the incidents in Rakhine State under the Amendment Bill of Defence Services Act submitted to the Assembly of the Union. Minister Motegi stated that it is important to disclose the procedures and nature of the punishment as much as possible, that Myanmar’s own efforts to pursue accountability will contribute to the steady implementation of the order on provisional measures issued by the ICJ, and that it remains important to achieve the prompt repatriation of the displaced persons and creating an environment conductive to the repatriation of the displaced persons. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing explained their efforts to solve the Rakhine issue and expressed his intention to continue to work as the Defence Services to solve the problem.

(3) Regarding the peace process with ethnic minorities, Minister Motegi stated that the Government of Japan, together with Special Envoy Sasakawa, will continue to support the advancement of Myanmar’s peace process. In response, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing expressed his appreciation for Japan’s supports for the peace process led by Special Envoy Sasakawa.

(4) Regarding the general election in Myanmar, Minister Motegi expressed his strong expectation that a free and fair election will be held with the cooperation of the Defence Services. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing responded that the Defence Services will cooperate in the execution of free and fair elections.

(5) Regarding regional affairs, the two sides exchanged views including the South China Sea issue, and concurred on deepening cooperation between the two countries.