Myanmar–Pakistan relations

Burma-Pakistan relations

Burma	Pakistan

Burma–Pakistan relations refers to the bilateral relationship between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Myanmar and Pakistan maintain diplomatic and trade relations.

History

The bilateral relations were established in 14 August 1947 between Burma and Pakistan, which they shared border with each other when East Pakistan existed. Since 1988 both have embassies in each other's capitals. A historic fact that after the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Ambassador of Myanmar, U Pe Khin, was the first ever envoy to present his credentials to Governor-General of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah.^[1]

Diplomatic Relations

Pakistan has a diplomatic mission in Rangoon, while Burma maintains a diplomatic office in Islamabad.

Pakistan International Airlines has flown to Yangon in the past and still operates Hajj charter flights on behalf of the Burmese government. Burma provided a route for the evacuation of the Dacca-based Pakistani Army Aviation Squadron after the Indian takeover.^[2]

On 26 July 2012, a threat was made by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan that they would attack Burma unless Pakistan severed relations with the Burmese government including closing the Burma embassy in Islamabad. This was in response to what they perceived to be crimes against the Rohingya people.^[3][4] Pakistan has a diplomatic mission in Rangoon while Burma maintains an embassy in Islamabad.

Economic Relations

During the 1950-60s, trade between Myanmar(then Burma) and Pakistan was the largest as compared to other Southeast Asian countries. However, over the years, trade between Myanmar and Pakistan deteriorated. In 1995, bilateral trade was US $ 34 million, it declined to US $ 10 million in 1999. Later, in 2000, trade improved to US $ 24 million. The present trade volume between Myanmar and Pakistan is US $ 70 million far less than their latent potentials. Myanmar's exports to Pakistan are fruits, vegetable products, wood, seafood, jute and other textile fibers, medicinal plants are being imported from Myanmar. Whereas Pakistan’s exports to Myanmar include Military technology, medicament mixtures, cement, medicinal plants, leather, cotton fabrics, electro-medical apparatus.

In January 2012, former President Asif Ali Zardari visited Myanmar. The visit focused to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. Pakistani side proposed for a Preferential Trading Area (PTA) along with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Establishment of a joint ministerial commission as well as cooperation in the oil and gas sector was also proposed.^[5][6] A Bilateral Agreement in Science and Technology exists between the two states. It was inked during former President General Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Myanmar in May 2001.^[7]

Security Relations

Myanmar Army personal undergoing Infantry training in Pakistan together with Pakistan Army soldiers and Pakistan Marines at the Pakistan Army's Infantry School.

Myanmar has developed military level relations with Pakistan.^[8] Pakistan trains Myanmar military personnel in Pakistani Military Tactics at various institutions throughout Pakistan as well as both countries are undergoing a deal to purchase Pakistani fighter jets.^[9]

Pakistan has taught submarine skills to the Myanmar Navy.^[10]It was reported in June 2013 that around 20 officers from Myanmar Navy visited Karachi in late April/early May to begin basic submarine training with Pakistan Navy at PNS Bahadur.^[11]

Similar Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter are on order by Myanmar Air Force.

In August 2014, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt paid the first ever visit by a serving PAF chief to Myanmar where he met his counterpart General Khin Aung Myint Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Air Force. Both air chiefs discussed matters of professional interest. The PAF chief was introduced to various Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of the Myanmar Air Force along with visits to an operational air base and several maintenance facilities.^[12]

On May 7, 2015, General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Armed Force, visited Pakistan with a high-level military delegation. Among others, he met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah to discuss avenues of cooperation in a variety of military spheres. In particular, he discussed regional and “local” issues with the Pakistani Joint Chief. Although no specific details have been made available, it can be speculated that the issue of Rohingya Muslims and threats from India were discussed.^[13]

On May 21, 2015, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Air Force General Khin Aung Myint visited Air Headquarters, Islamabad to discuss matters of mutual interest with PAF Air Chief Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman; Myint reciprocated the earlier visit by Sohail Aman’s predecessor.^[14][15] Later, he also visited Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra where he and his team were given a detailed tour of the premises, especially the Sino-Pak JF-17 Thunder jet program. It seems the Myanmar Air Force delegation was so impressed with the JF-17 Thunder jet that they placed orders for 16 fighter jets, thus making Myanmar the first foreign buyer of the advanced fighter jet.^[16][17]

Notes

References

• Conflict Between India and Pakistan: An Encyclopedia by Peter Lyon (ABC-CLIO, 2008)
• Pakistan, Myanmar make new beginning in bilateral relations, Associated Press of Pakistan