KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — Malaysia as Asean chair convened the Special Emergency Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in response to the powerful earthquake that rocked Myanmar and Thailand.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan chaired the meeting via video conference, which was attended by Asean’s foreign ministers or their representatives. Also present were Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn and Timor Leste Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas who participated as an observer.
In a statement, Wisma Putra said the meeting reflects Asean’s unity and solidarity.
According to the statement, the foreign ministers reiterated their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Myanmar and Thailand and their people — especially to the victims, families, and others affected by the tragedy.
“The foreign ministers reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand. They further stressed that the Asean family stands resolutely with Myanmar and Thailand in moving forward to address the impacts of the earthquake.
“They agreed to further mobilise humanitarian assistance, which will be coordinated by the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) with regular updates from the Secretary-General of Asean,” the statement added.
The Foreign Minister also agreed the tragedy highlights the need for better regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
“In this regard, they reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening Asean’s disaster response mechanisms,” the statement stated.
AHA Centre deputy executive director Krishna Putra Tanaja, briefed the meeting on Asean’s efforts, as well as developments following the earthquake.
Meanwhile, Myanmar and Thailand expressed deep appreciation to other Asean members for their steadfast solidarity, compassion, and proactive assistance in the urgent search-and-rescue operations.
In a separate statement, the Asean secretariat stated that the meeting underscored Asean’s solidarity in the wake of the disaster, reaffirming its commitment to providing crucial relief and recovery efforts.
“Asean reaffirmed its support for relief and recovery efforts, based on priorities identified by Myanmar, with assistance from AHA Centre,” it stated.
— Bernama
