Arakan Army calls on Bangladesh government to build ties with Rakhine

Arakan Army (AA) chief Twan Mrat Naing has asked newly appointed Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to chart a new course of friendly ties between Rakhine and Bangladesh.

In the first of its kind message sent Wednesday, the Myanmar rebel chief congratulated Khalilur on his new role, and expressed hopes that the preexisting goodwill will pave the way for finding practical, sustainable, and feasible solutions to issues of mutual interest.

The Arakan Army has seized most of Rakhine State in Myanmar including the entire border area with Bangladesh.

Myanmar regime Foreign Minister Than Swe also sent a congratulatory message to Khalilur. In the message, the Myanmar Foreign Minister expressed “firm commitment” to enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between Naypyidaw and Dhaka.

A senior official from Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry told BSS that the messages from both the Myanmar authorities and the AA reflect the outcome of ongoing engagements. He added that such contacts and discussions demonstrate their confidence in the new Bangladesh government’s ability to resolve the Rohingya issue peacefully.

Khalilur recently confirmed that Dhaka has maintained contact with both sides on the matter. Bangladesh has also been working with other key countries and the United Nations to achieve a swift and sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.