ISTANBUL: Malaysia has called on the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) member countries to assist the Rohingya community “in whatever way possible”.
In making the call, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman also urged D-8 to address the community’s socio-economic plight.
He said the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State had, in its final report, identified the economic and social development aspects of the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
“We believe that the implementation of the recommendations in the report will improve their socio-economic situation.
“However, socio-economic development is only possible if there is political stability as they are inextricably linked, the latter being a prerequisite for socio-economic development,” he said in his speech at the 17th Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers here today.
He said to tackle the issue, the Myanmar government must allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance in the crisis zones.
“In this regard, Malaysia commends Bangladesh for sheltering the Rohingya refugees,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to arrive in Istanbul tonight to lead the Malaysian delegation at the D-8 Summit tomorrow.
The D-8 Organisation was established on June 15, 1997 in Istanbul as a mechanism for economic cooperation between Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia.
Translated from Harian Metro