Initial talks with Myanmar leaders successful – Anwar

Myanmar leaders have expressed their commitment to extending the ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered in the country following the devastating earthquake last month.

This was conveyed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in two separate meetings held here.

Anwar said he held a face-to-face meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) of Myanmar, yesterday afternoon.

The prime minister also held a virtual meeting this morning with the leader of Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), Mahn Win Khaing Than.

"I see a willingness (from the Myanmar leaders) to continue the ceasefire, as it is a prerequisite for all humanitarian aid efforts.

"Although they mentioned the recent explosion incident, we hope it can be handled properly.

"Will there be further meetings (with Myanmar leaders)? Most likely, yes, we will continue with these negotiations," he said at a press conference today after concluding his working visit here, at the invitation of his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysia's Chargé d'Affaires to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he had conveyed to both leaders that a ceasefire is essential and that humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach all parts of Myanmar, regardless of location or political affiliation, in line with Asean's position.

That assurance was given by both Min Aung Hlaing and Mahn Win Khaing Than.

"Asean wants peace to be expedited. Asean wants to help rebuild Myanmar. Asean hopes that, if possible, Myanmar will return to the fold (Asean).

"These initial talks with SAC and NUG leaders were very successful," he said, adding that the regional bloc is ready to facilitate these efforts and engage with Myanmar's leaders.

He said Asean member states have already extended humanitarian assistance to support Myanmar's recovery.

Malaysia, for instance, has deployed the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and set up a field hospital.

"I will immediately reach out to my Asean counterparts to inform them (of these developments) and to encourage the delivery of humanitarian aid.

"Besides monitoring the ceasefire commitment, Asean must also work to prevent any unnecessary provocation, otherwise, the entire humanitarian mission could fail," he said.

The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March has so far claimed 3,706 lives, injured 5,017, and left 130 people still missing as of last Tuesday.

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