The handover ceremony was held at the meeting hall of the Arakan State government in Sittwe at 1 PM.

“We are grateful to the Union Burmese Government and the Arakan State government for allowing us to deliver the humanitarian aid to the residents in the Arakan State. This aid is for all the societies living in the Arakan State. The Indonesian government will join hands in developing the education, health, and infrastructure of the Arakan State,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L P Marsudi.

According to the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Indonesia has donated six schools to enable all societies to have access to education in the Arakan State.

She added that the Indonesian Government will face the challenges for the development of the Arakan State and assist in the peace and stability of the state.

The Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye signed the agreement for the aid on behalf of the Union Burmese Government.

“We are very grateful to the Indonesian Government for giving such kind of assistance for the society residing in the Arakan State. Currently, the Arakan State is the second poorest state in Burma. There are conflicts between the two societies at the moment. Led by the State Counsellor, the Committee for the Implementation of Peace and Development in the Arakan State has been established in May 2016,” said Dr Win Mya Aye.

He explained that the Burmese Government has been giving special consideration to the development of the Arakan State and has provided items worth 300 billon kyats as humanitarian assistance.

He added that the aids that have been handed over from Indonesia will be delivered quickly to the people in need from both societies without any discrimination.

The Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pyu said: “We are very glad to receive such kind of assistance from the Indonesian Foreign Minister and delegation. The Arakan State government has been giving priority to education, health, and social sectors for the development of the Arakan State. We thank the UN, INGOs, and donors for their assistance in the development of the Arakan State. We hope the Asean countries will enjoy friendly relations with Burma.”

A convoy of vehicles loaded with humanitarian aids from Indonesia arrived in Sittwe in the evening on 20 January and they were officially handed over to the Burmese government by the Indonesian Foreign Minister and delegation on the next day.

Around ten trucks carrying dried noodles and clothes have been seen.

Translated by Thida Linn