As the ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia convened the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on March 30 in response to the powerful earthquake that rocked Myanmar and Thailand.
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Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan chaired the online meeting, which was attended by ASEAN Foreign Ministers or their representatives. Also present were ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and Foreign Minister of Timor Leste who participated as an observer.
In a statement, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the meeting reflected the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s unity and solidarity.
The Foreign Ministers reiterated their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Myanmar and Thailand, especially to the victims, their families, and all others affected by the tragedy.
They reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with the two countries, stressing that the ASEAN family stands resolutely with Myanmar and Thailand in moving forward to address the impacts of the earthquake.
Besides, they agreed that the Foreign Ministers of Thailand and Malaysia will undertake a humanitarian visit to Myanmar on April 5.
According to the statement, ASEAN will continue mobilising humanitarian assistance, which will be coordinated by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Diaster Management (AHA) with regular updates from the Secretary-General of ASEAN. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for better regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
Deputy Executive Director of the AHA Centre Krishna Putra Tanaja briefed the meeting on ASEAN’s efforts as well as developments on the ground following the earthquake. Meanwhile, Myanmar and Thailand expressed deep appreciation to other ASEAN member states for their steadfast solidarity, compassion, and proactive assistance in the urgent search and rescue operations./.
VNA
