After two weeks of rising tensions on the Bangladesh-Burma border, the two sides reached an agreement in Naypyidaw on Wednesday over the ongoing border crisis.

In a nine-point statement, the two countries agreed to share information regarding border issues and establish a direct channel of communication between senior officials from both sides.

They also vowed to work together to crack down on the illegal narcotics trade across their common frontier.

“With regard to preventing and controlling the illegal drug trade, the border guard units of both countries, and relevant organisations tasked with ensuring the rule of law, are to take necessary steps such as exchanging information,” said Burma’s Police Maj-Gen Zaw Win.

The two sides will investigate the incidents surrounding the death of Bangladeshi Corp Nayek Mizanur Rashman, who was shot and killed on 28 May by Burmese border guard forces.

Burma’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that two men in unmarked camouflage uniform encroached onto Burmese territory, and were assumed to be members of the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) insurgency group.

But Bangladesh maintains that the exchange of gunfire took place on Bangladeshi soil.

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Tensions have been high between the two sides since the clash and a previous attempt to negotiate at a flag meeting in Arakan State’s Maungdaw ended without resolution.

Burma claims that the RSO are active in the area and said it would share information with Bangladesh to help stop its armed operations.

“Regarding the activity of RSO insurgents based out of Bangladesh territory who are disrupting tranquillity along the border, Bangladesh officials have agreed for Burma to provide them with information regarding the group,” said Zaw Win.

The two sides agreed to set up a border liaison office to curb cross-border crime, and to educate people living in the border area about the demarcation.

In a show of friendship, the two sides will also conduct goodwill visits.