Canadian PM expresses concern over Rohingya issue in Myanmar

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his deep concern about the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State regarding Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic minorities in a phone talk with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

Trudeau stressed the state counsellor's particular importance as a moral and political leader, the Canadian Prime Minister Office said in a news release.

"The Prime Minister also emphasised the urgent need for Myanmar's military and civilian leaders to take a strong stand in ending the violence, promoting the protection of civilians and promoting unimpeded access for the UN and international humanitarian actors," the office said.

The two leaders discussed the need to defend and protect the rights of all minorities. Trudeau offered Canada's support to help build a peaceful and stable society in Myanmar that is respectful of the rights of all ethnic minorities, while the state counsellor expressed her appreciation of Canada's contribution to humanitarian efforts, the office added.

The Canadian government has pledged 1 million Canadian dollars (US$810,000) in humanitarian aid for Rakhine state located on the western coast of Myanmar.

-- BERNAMA