Foreign ministers in ASEM agree for ‘early’ return of Rohingyas from Bangladesh

The foreign ministers of some Asian and European countries including Myanmar in an “informal” briefing have agreed on early repatriation of Rohingya people from Bangladesh.

The foreign ministry said the foreign ministers of Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Estonia, Germany, Malta, Russia, Luxemburg, France, Thailand, Hungary, Finland, Sweden and the High Representative of the EU attended the informal briefing on the Rakhine State.

Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, who is leading a four-member delegation at the 13th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) of Foreign Ministers in Nay Pyi Taw, along with his Myanmar counterpart attended the meeting on Monday.

“Speakers, in general, agreed in many areas and asked for immediate cessation of hostilities, halting of outflow, early return of externally displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh, implementation of recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission for durable solutions," it said.

Foreign Minister Ali later attended two plenary sessions, “Synergizing Peace and Sustainable Development” and the “3rd Decade of ASEM: Making ASEM Partnership more Dynamic and connected.”

He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to peace and development.

He stressed the inclusive development embracing all, particularly minorities, by ensuring rights and equal opportunity for attempting durable peace.

The foreign minister also highlighted shared interests in encouraging peace security and stability in the region and beyond.

He emphasised that “marginalisation and denial of basic rights create insecurities, which can lead to forced displacement and destabilize the region.”

He called for working together to promote inclusion and tolerance for peace and development.

Ali cautioned against “resurgent nationalism and use of prejudices and exaggerated imaginary threat perceptions.”

Bangladesh urged ASEM to focus more on the connectivity of ideas and culture to reduce tensions among countries and region while focusing trade and physical connectivity.

On the sidelines, the foreign minister held bilateral meetings with his counterparts of Switzerland, Hungary, Estonia, Finland and United Kingdom.

They discussed bilateral matters and exchanged views on Rohingya crisis particularly early return of displaced Rohingyas and imperative of an inclusive and durable solution of the protracted problem.

Ali sought constant engagement and support from them.

Bangladesh and Hungary also signed an MoU on educational cooperation for the years 2018-20.

The foreign ministers of the two countries penned the deal.

Hungary has offered 100 scholarships every year for studies in agriculture, economics, natural science and medicine and healthcare.

The Hungarian Minister, Peter Szijjartto, also offered training assistance in nuclear energy.