Japan-Viet Nam Relations
Foreign Minister Kono Visits Myanmar
July 31, 2019
On July 31, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, held a meeting and a joint press conference with H.E. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor, and attended a luncheon meeting hosted by H.E. Mr. Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor, in the capital Nay Pyi Taw. The overview of the meetings is as follows.
1 Meeting and Joint Press Conference with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi
(1)Beginning
Foreign Minister Kono stated that Japan would continue to provide full-fledged support for Myanmar’s democratic nation-building. In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi stated that Japan is a friend of Myanmar and expressed her appreciation for Japan’s support.
(2)Situation of Rakhine State
- Minister Kono stated that the camps for displaced persons in Cox’s Bazar are still in a severe condition, and encouraged the Government of Myanmar to strengthen its efforts. In addition, Minister Kono appreciated the Government of Myanmar for holding a briefing at the camps on creation of an environment conducive to the repatriation of displaced persons, and encouraged the Government of Myanmar to continue to explain security conditions, freedom of movement, and a clear pathway to citizenship verification to the displaced persons in order to achieve repatriation.
- Regarding response to the alleged human rights violations, Minister Kono stated that it was important for the Independent Commission of Enquiry of Myanmar to implement a credible and transparent investigation.
- Minister Kono also conveyed that Japan would continue to cooperate with Myanmar for creating an environment conducive to the repatriation of displaced persons in Rakhine State and for the development of the entire state.
- In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation for Japan’s advice toward realizing repatriation.
(3)Peace Process
- Minister Kono expressed his strong hope that the suspension of military activities by the Myanmar military would lead to a permanent ceasefire, and the repatriation and resettlement of displaced persons, and stated that Japan would continue to support the peace process of Myanmar, together with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar. Minister Kono then encouraged State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to make maximum efforts to make progress in the peace negotiations with KIA and other groups and lead to ceasefire agreements.
- In response, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed appreciation for the Japanese assistance towards advancing the peace process of Myanmar.
(4)Other
Following the meeting, Foreign Minister Kono and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi held a joint press conference.
2 Luncheon Meeting Hosted by Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor Kyaw Tint Swe
Foreign Minister Kono held frank discussions regarding bilateral cooperation and the situation of Rakhine State with Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor Kyaw Tint Swe, joined by H.E. Dr. Win Myat Aye, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.
Regarding the situation of Rakhine State, Minister Kono reiterated his hope that the Government of Myanmar would continue to demonstrate visible progress. The Myanmar side explained that the Government of Myanmar held a briefing at the camps for displaced persons in Cox’s Bazar from July 26 to 27.
Regarding the situation of Rakhine State, Minister Kono reiterated his hope that the Government of Myanmar would continue to demonstrate visible progress. The Myanmar side explained that the Government of Myanmar held a briefing at the camps for displaced persons in Cox’s Bazar from July 26 to 27.