Anwar, Min Aung Hlaing meet in Putrajaya

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a four-eyed meeting with Myanmar president Min Aung Hlaing at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya today.

Min Aung Hlaing has been in Malaysia for a two-day official visit since yesterday. The two leaders are expected to discuss several key issues, including efforts to repatriate Myanmar nationals who are in Malaysia illegally.

On Tuesday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that 10,000 Myanmar detainees had been repatriated to their home country since January this year via air and sea routes, involving ethnic Rohingya as well as ethnic Arakan, Karen and Shan.

Anwar invited Min Aung Hlaing to Malaysia last month to expedite negotiations on the repatriation of Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya refugees.

This followed an earlier agreement for Myanmar to take back 5,000 of its nationals in stages.

A total of 1,476 Myanmar nationals were sent home on Sept 29 in the first phase, leaving another 3,524 to be sent back. Malaysia is awaiting confirmation from Myanmar on the date for the second phase.

Wisma Putra said yesterday that Min Aung Hlaing’s visit would give Anwar an opportunity to sustain the country’s engagement with Myanmar, in line with the 48th Asean Summit’s decision to continue constructive and principled engagement with the country.