ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE REGIONAL RELATIONS The challenges in Rakhine State have traditionally been treated by Myanmar as a domestic issue. However, Myanmar’s neighbouring countries have a close interest, given that many of them are hosting large numbers of people from Rakhine State. Irregular migration from Myanmar (as well as Bangladesh) has a destabilising effect in the region, and it is imperative to find regional solutions to complement Myanmar’s domestic efforts. There are some recent positive examples of regional cooperation, most notably the ASEAN Foreign Ministers retreat initiated by Myanmar in December 2016. This initiative should be pursued by the Myanmar Government so that its policies and plans on Rakhine are better understood among ASEAN members. Recommendations: 83. The Commission reiterates its recommendation that the Government of Myanmar should continue its initiative to brief ASEAN members on a regular basis on the broader dimensions and regional implications of the situation in Rakhine State. The Government of Myanmar should maintain a special envoy to engage with neighbouring countries on this issue. 84. The Government should recognize the interest of neighbouring countries in the situation in Rakhine State, and allow for full and frank discussion of the topic in regional fora. FINAL REPORT 61