Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the situation in Myanmar

Kazakhstan is concerned about the tense situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State. We support the resolution of the conflict in this country exclusively by peaceful means and call on all conflicting parties to an immediate cease-fire and a continuation of the dialogue. Along with other members of the UN Security Council, the Republic of Kazakhstan condemns the recent attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army militants.

Together with other member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, we express specific concern about the situation of the Muslim community of Myanmar and the growth of Islamophobia in this country. Our country supported and actively participated in the extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council on August 30, 2017, which called on the Myanmar authorities to cooperate more actively with the international community, including the United Nations and OIC, in order to stabilise the situation as soon as possible.

Kazakhstan welcomed various joint initiatives and recommendations adopted by the international community, in particular the United Nations, OIC, and the Kofi Annan's Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, which note the importance of long-term socio-economic development of the region. Of particular importance is the continuous participation of the OIC Contact Group in the settlement of the situation in Myanmar, in cooperation with all interested parties.

Inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife, as well as the growing problem of refugees in the neighbouring countries with Myanmar, can serve as fertile ground for domestic and international terrorism, and become a source of threats to international peace and security.