Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to work with Myanmar to help the conflict-hit country regain its place in the Southeast Asian community, following talks with Myanmar’s military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing.

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Malaysia for a two-day visit as he seeks to strengthen ties with regional governments and gain greater international recognition following Myanmar’s controversial election and his installation as president earlier this year.

Meeting Min Aung Hlaing in Putrajaya on Thursday, Anwar said Malaysia would do what it could to deepen cooperation with Myanmar and eventually facilitate its full participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We will do whatever is possible to enhance this collaboration and ultimately take Myanmar as part of our community of nations, without prejudice, particularly in the context of ASEAN,” Anwar said, according to CNA.

Myanmar has remained largely excluded from ASEAN’s top-level meetings since the military seized power in 2021 and plunged the country into a prolonged conflict. The bloc has repeatedly urged the authorities to implement its Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to violence, dialogue among all sides and humanitarian assistance.

ASEAN has so far seen little progress on the plan, while fighting between the military and armed opposition groups has continued across large parts of Myanmar.

Anwar acknowledged concerns over Myanmar’s political and democratic situation but said differences between countries should be respected. He also described Min Aung Hlaing as showing a willingness to cooperate.

The Malaysian leader also thanked Myanmar for agreeing to receive 10,493 Myanmar nationals being held or residing in Malaysia.

Malaysia has recently taken a harder position on refugees and migrants from Myanmar, saying it can no longer shoulder the growing financial and security burden. Last month, it sent about 1,500 Myanmar nationals back by sea on Myanmar naval vessels despite warnings from the United Nations and rights groups that returnees could face serious risks.

Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar would also take back verified nationals held in Malaysian detention centres “as soon as possible”.

The meeting marks another step in Myanmar’s expanding engagement with ASEAN members. Since becoming president, Min Aung Hlaing has visited Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as his government seeks to rebuild regional ties while the civil war continues at home.

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