Malaysia, Bangladesh Strengthen Cooperation to Address Rohingya Refugee Issue

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Bangladesh will strengthen cooperation through ASEAN mechanisms to help find a comprehensive solution to the Rohingya ethnic refugee issue.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the effort includes continuing engagement with the Myanmar authorities.

“We are also cooperating in efforts to address the refugee issue, particularly the Rohingya ethnic group in Bangladesh and Malaysia.

“Through the office of the Foreign Minister and ASEAN mechanisms, we will continue negotiations with the Myanmar authorities to help resolve part of the issue,” he said.

He said this at a joint press conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in conjunction with his counterpart’s official visit to Malaysia here today.

Meanwhile, Tarique also expressed deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya community taking shelter in Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh appreciates Malaysia’s continued support in ensuring that the Rohingya ethnic group can return to Myanmar.

“I expressed deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya community taking shelter in Bangladesh.

“I also thanked Malaysia for its continued support in ensuring that they can return to Myanmar safely, with dignity and sustainably,” he said.

Regarding the crisis in West Asia, Anwar explained that Malaysia and Bangladesh share the stance that all atrocities against the people of Gaza by the Zionist Israeli regime must cease.

“On global issues such as Palestine, the atrocities being committed against the people of Gaza by the Zionist Israeli regime, as well as support for lasting peace between Gulf countries and Iran, our positions are aligned.

“We will continue to cooperate with all international partners to ensure that peace can be achieved,” he said.

Tarique, meanwhile, affirmed the commitment to continue cooperating within the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations regarding the issue.

Berita Harian