Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed to address the "root causes" of the current migrant crisis at a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 29^th.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the day-long meeting was constructive and all 17 participating countries agreed on a statement to provide humanitarian aid to 2,500 migrants believed to still be adrift at sea, as well as to the 3,500 who have already landed in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia since May 1^st.

Myanmar, Bangladesh agree to address 'root causes' of migrant crisis (Illustrative image. Source: VNA)

The countries also committed to addressing the "root causes" and "factors in areas of (migrants') origin", including improving the economy, human rights and security in the source countries.

They suggested the increase of search and rescue activities to ensure safety for migrants at sea as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Oragnisation for Migration’s access to migrants.

They said it is needed to enhance law enforcement to tackle human trafficking, cooperation in eradicating transnational crime rings, and laws and safe migration channels appropriate to relevant countries to prevent illegal migration.

Delegates consented to maintain discussions and raise the issue at related meetings, including bilateral consultations, the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime.