ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet to Discuss Earthquake Relief Efforts
Meeting Held in Response to Powerful Earthquake
Kuala Lumpur, March 30 (Bernama) – As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia convened the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Sunday in response to the powerful earthquake that rocked Myanmar and Thailand.
Foreign Ministers Attend Meeting via Video Conference
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan chaired the meeting via video conference, which was attended by ASEAN Foreign Ministers or their representatives. Also present were ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Foreign Minister of Timor Leste, who participated as an observer.
Meeting Reflects ASEAN’s Unity and Solidarity
In a statement, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said that the meeting reflects ASEAN’s unity and solidarity.
Foreign Ministers Express Condolences and Solidarity
According to the statement, the Foreign Ministers reiterated their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Myanmar and Thailand and their peoples – especially to the victims, their families, and all others affected by the tragedy.
ASEAN Family Stands Resolutely with Myanmar and Thailand
"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," the statement added.
Humanitarian Assistance to be Coordinated by AHA Centre
"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.
Urgent Need for Better Regional Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
The Foreign Minister also agreed that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for better regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
Commitment to Strengthening ASEAN’s Disaster Response Mechanisms
"In this regard, they reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s disaster response mechanisms," the statement stated.
Deputy Executive Director of AHA Centre Briefs Meeting
Deputy Executive Director of AHA Centre, Krishna Putra Tanaja, briefed the meeting on ASEAN’s efforts, as well as developments on the ground following the earthquake.
Myanmar and Thailand Express Appreciation
Meanwhile, Myanmar and Thailand expressed deep appreciation to other Member States for their steadfast solidarity, compassion, and proactive assistance in the urgent search and rescue operations.
ASEAN Secretariat Issues Statement
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’s Support for 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.
Conclusion
The meeting reflects ASEAN’s commitment to providing support to its member states in times of crisis. The region’s solidarity and cooperation are crucial in addressing the impacts of the earthquake and ensuring a swift and effective response to the disaster.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the meeting?
A: The meeting was held in response to the powerful earthquake that rocked Myanmar and Thailand, and to discuss ASEAN’s response to the disaster.
Q: Who attended the meeting?
A: The meeting was attended by ASEAN Foreign Ministers or their representatives, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and Foreign Minister of Timor Leste, who participated as an observer.
Q: What was the outcome of the meeting?
A: The meeting resulted in a commitment to provide humanitarian assistance, to further mobilise relief efforts, and to strengthen ASEAN’s disaster response mechanisms.