The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General has welcomed the recent fact-finding visit undertaken by a high level Turkish delegation led by H.E. Ahmet Davutoðlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and by senior officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the Rakhine State in Myanmar.

This visit was significant in the context of international attention to the recent outbreak of violence in that area. During the visit that was undertaken at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar, the delegation also visited the camps of the Muslims and Buddhists displaced by the violence. The Turkish humanitarian aid distributed at these camps was among the first international humanitarian assistance accepted by Myanmar aside from that provided by the UN. This has also demonstrated the willingness of the Myanmar Government to cooperate with the international community to alleviate the suffering of its people.  Such positive steps will help support Myanmar’s ongoing process of democratization and reform.

The Secretary-General and his Special Adviser have also been in continuous contact with the Myanmar authorities on this issue. The United Nations is committed to assisting Myanmar and its people in their reform and national reconciliation efforts, including overcoming imminent challenges, in cooperation with the international community.