PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Myanmar have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations by focusing on people-centric cooperation, including trade, investment, education, agri-food, energy, healthcare and capacity building.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both countries are committed to enhancing collaboration while taking into account issues that need to be addressed.
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"We have had excellent relations for a long time, but of course recent developments have somewhat blocked that sort of progress. So I think our interest is, of course, to enhance this collaboration.
"We, of course, are reminded of the Asena mechanism, but we also understand that the President and your government have made a lot of efforts not only to enhance bilateral relations but to have the necessary reform policy changes and adjustments in your own country," he said at a joint media conference with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, here on Thursday (Oct 8).
Economic ties between Kuala Lumpur and Yangon, according to him, had shown significant potential, with bilateral economic activities increasing by more than 140% year-on-year. – Bernama
"Which is quite impressive to me, in terms of our economic ties and potential," he added.
Anwar said Malaysia had conveyed its views openly and frankly, while appreciating Myanmar's openness in sharing its own perspectives; as such, the approach was important to further fortify bilateral relations.
"Of course, as we know, in any country, issues are complex, multi-ethnic, with a wide range of differences; it is a process that we need to understand and respect," he said.
On Myanmar's domestic situation, Anwar said Malaysia had conveyed its concerns on issues including democratic reforms, while acknowledging the complexity of the country's situation as a multi-ethnic nation.
He said Yangon's commitment to engage with all parties to avoid further escalation of violence was among the policy positions that Malaysia welcomed.
"When I met you in Bangkok after the earthquake, you made certain policy statements which were quite remarkable to me.
"For example, our field hospitals should allow any person without discrimination, and you will continue your policy to engage with all parties to avoid further escalation of violence.
"Of course, I welcome that and convey that to my colleagues, not only here, but also in ASEAN. But how you do it, the mechanism of course is up to you as a leader of the country," he said.
Anwar described Min Aung Hlaing's visit as important not only for Malaysia and Myanmar but also for the region.
"With this visit, I would say that we and our part in Malaysia, we'll do whatever is possible to make sure that we enhance this collaboration and ultimately take Myanmar as part of our community of nations without prejudice and particularly in the context of Asean.
"But for now, bilaterally between Malaysia and Myanmar, it should be at a high par," he said. – Bernama
