The United Nations (UN) and Myanmar have vowed joint efforts to tackle illegal “boat people” issue both nationally and regionally.

The statement was announced on May 27 following a temporary visit by UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Myanmar Vijay Nambiar to the camp in Rakhine state where migrants were rescued.

Concerning the ongoing “boat crisis” in the Andama Sea and Bay of Bengal, the statement said Nambiar discussed with relevant authorities the seriousness of human trafficking and illegal immigration situation.

The UN encouraged Myanmar to continue searching and rescuing migrants still stranded at sea while welcoming the confirmation that Myanmar will attend a regional meeting slated for May 29 in Bangkok to discuss the issue and identify areas for regional cooperation.

Recently, thousands of people from Bangladesh and Rohingya from Myanmar have crossed the sea to reach the shores of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

An estimated 7,000 are stuck at sea in life-threatening conditions.

Myanmar and Bangladesh are working to repatriate 200 Bangladeshi to their homeland, rescued by the Myanmar navy on May 22.-VNA