ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE Recommendations: 78. The Commission welcomes the expressed intention of the Myanmar Government to establish a Joint Commission with Bangladesh, as recommended in the Commission’s interim report, to discuss bilateral relations, challenges, and opportunities of mutual interest. The Joint Commission – which should meet at least every quarter – should address issues such trade promotion, infrastructure, peopleto-people contact, the management of illegal migration, documentation of refugees and IDPs, voluntary return of refugees, combatting human trafficking and drug smuggling, and security cooperation to combat violent extremism. 79. The Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh should facilitate the voluntary return of refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar through joint verification, in accordance with international standards and with assistance from international partners. 80. When refugees from northern Rakhine State return from Bangladesh, the Government of Myanmar should help create a secure environment and, where necessary, assist with shelter construction for those whose homes have been destroyed. 81. Cooperation on security and border management requires urgent attention, particularly in light of the October 2016 attacks in Maungdaw. The Commission notes that substantial progress has been made since the interim report on security cooperation and border issues, including a clear willingness to finalise the three MoU’s which will formalize a deepening of Myanmar-Bangladeshi security cooperation. The Commission is of the opinion that this effort should be continued and intensified, and the implementation of the MoU’s started as soon as possible. 82. The Commission takes note of the work of the Joint Trade Commission and encourages both governments to rapidly increase their bilateral trade. The Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh could actively encourage more exchanges between civil society, think tanks, academics and the private sector to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. 60 Towards a Peaceful, Fair and Prosperous Future for the People of Rakhine