ISTANBUL

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said he met Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok to discuss efforts to restore normalcy after the March 28 devastating earthquake.

Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, hosted the meeting as an adviser to the ASEAN chair, currently held by Malaysia.

“We held a frank and constructive discussion, focused on the urgent humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people including the immediate deployment of a field hospital as well as the importance of returning the country to normalcy,” the Malaysian premier wrote on X.

He said he will representatives of the National Unity Government, Myanmar's government in exile, on Friday.

Anwar also welcomed the recent release of detainees in Myanmar. "We continue to encourage all parties to engage seriously in the interest of Myanmar’s stability and the wellbeing of its people," he added.

The Myanmar military has ruled the country since the 2021 coup as it battles ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy fighters across the country.

Earlier on Thursday, Anwar met Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They discussed bilateral relations, US tariffs, and reaffirmed their commitment to boosting bilateral economic cooperation.​​​​​​​