Myanmar’s junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing met with Japanese philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa in Naypyitaw on Tuesday, according to state media reports, marking another step in expanding international re-engagement with the Southeast Asian nation following years of diplomatic isolation.
Talks in Naypyitaw Focus on Peace Process and Human Resources
Sasakawa serves as the honorary chair of the Nippon Foundation and acts as Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar. State-run newspaper The Global New Light of Myanmar reported Wednesday that Sasakawa and Min Aung Hlaing discussed planned assistance for Myanmar’s internal peace process along with foundation support aimed at developing the country’s human resources.
Japan’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Sasakawa’s visit. Sasakawa holds a long history of mediating between the Myanmar military and the armed groups opposed to it.
Background on Civil War and Previous Mediations
Myanmar remains gripped by turmoil following the 2021 military coup led by Min Aung Hlaing, which deposed an elected civilian government. The subsequent nationwide civil war has killed more than 100,000 people and displaced over 3.5 million citizens.
During prior mediation efforts, Sasakawa helped broker a 2022 truce between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army rebel group in Rakhine, the Nippon Foundation reported. That ceasefire has since collapsed, sparking renewed fighting.
Diplomatic Re-Engagement by International Partners
Recent months show a steady rise in diplomatic contact between international actors and the military regime. United States officials held talks with Myanmar representatives in Tokyo earlier this month.
Japan has also increased its public outreach. Japan’s acting envoy to Myanmar met with the Myanmar foreign minister in October for their first known public engagement, following a September visit to Naypyitaw by Japanese ruling party lawmaker Hiromichi Watanabe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Naypyitaw Meetings
Who is Yohei Sasakawa?
Yohei Sasakawa is the honorary chair of the Nippon Foundation and serves as Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, with a background in mediating between the military and the armed groups opposed to it.
What specific topics did Min Aung Hlaing and Sasakawa discuss?
The two figures discussed plans for Sasakawa to provide assistance to Myanmar’s internal peace process and secure support from the Nippon Foundation for human resource development, according to The Global New Light of Myanmar.
How many casualties have resulted from the conflict in Myanmar?
The civil war following the 2021 military coup has killed more than 100,000 people and displaced over 3.5 million individuals.
What previous mediation success did Sasakawa achieve in Myanmar?
In 2022, Sasakawa helped broker a truce between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army rebel group in Rakhine, though that ceasefire has since collapsed.
Related reading