On August 24, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services.

According to a press release, Minister Motegi stated that the Government of Japan will continue to provide full-fledged support for the democratic nation building of Myanmar by bringing together both public and private sectors. Regarding the situation of Rakhine State, Minister Motegi expressed his expectation for progress in the court martial investigation and prosecution of incidents in Rakhine State under the Amendment Bill of Defence Services Act submitted to the Assembly of the Union.

Minister Motegi stated that it is important to disclose the procedures and nature of the punishment as much as possible, that Myanmar’s own efforts to pursue accountability will contribute to the steady implementation of the order on provisional measures issued by the ICJ, and that it remains important to achieve the prompt repatriation of the displaced persons and creating an environment conductive to the repatriation of the displaced persons. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing explained their efforts to solve the Rakhine issue and expressed his intention to continue to work as the Defence Services to solve the problem.

Regarding the peace process with ethnic minorities, Minister Motegi stated that the Government of Japan, together with Special Envoy Sasakawa, will continue to support the advancement of Myanmar’s peace process. In response, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing expressed his appreciation for Japan’s supports for the peace process led by Special Envoy Sasakawa.

Regarding the general election in Myanmar, Minister Motegi expressed his strong expectation that a free and fair election will be held with the cooperation of the Defence Services. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing responded that the Defence Services will cooperate in the execution of free and fair elections.

Regarding regional affairs, the two sides exchanged views including the South China Sea issue and concurred on deepening cooperation between the two countries, the statement said.