Saifuddin meets Japan's special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah Tuesday received Japan's Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, Tan Sri Yohei Sasakawa at his office at Wisma Putra, Putrajaya.

Saifuddin in his latest tweet said that he and Sasakawa, who is also the chairman of Nippon Foundation, during the meeting exchanged notes on recent developments in Myanmar and agreed on several crucial points, including the importance for all parties to observe the ceasefire to ensure the safety of civilians.

"It is encouraging to hear from Tan Sri Yohei that Japan stands ready to support ASEAN in implementing the Five-Point Consensus (5PCs) and engaging all stakeholders within Myanmar in restoring peace and democracy," he tweeted.

The minister said during the discussion both of them agreed on the urgency to strengthen humanitarian assistance by inviting international participation and creating a humanitarian corridor.

The 5PCs on Myanmar adopted by ASEAN leaders at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting in Jakarta on April 24 last year are: end violence; hold constructive discussions with stakeholders; ASEAN provides humanitarian aid to Myanmar; the appointment of a special ASEAN ambassador to carry out negotiations; and for the special envoy to be allowed to visit the country.

According to human rights organisation the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), at least 1,800 civilians had been killed while over 10,000 people have been arrested and almost 1,000 jailed since the Feb 1, 2021 coup.

-- BERNAMA