Malaysia and Thailand Hold Meeting with Myanmar’s State Administration Council
NAY PYI TAW (Myanmar), April 5 (Bernama) – Malaysia and Thailand held a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) on Saturday, as part of a joint humanitarian mission to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake on March 28.
Trilateral Meeting
The meeting was attended by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa, who represented their respective countries. The meeting was held at Sin Phyu Taw Hall in Nay Pyi Taw.
Visit Reflects Malaysia’s Commitment to ASEAN Chairmanship
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated earlier that the visit reflects Malaysia’s commitment and proactive leadership as ASEAN Chair this year in supporting Myanmar’s post-earthquake recovery efforts.
ASEAN’s Coordinated Disaster Response Efforts
During the meeting, Mohamad highlighted ASEAN’s coordinated disaster response efforts and Malaysia’s contributions so far, including the deployment of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Aid Pledged
On March 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Malaysian government had pledged RM10 million in initial humanitarian aid for Myanmar in response to the disaster. On the same day, Malaysia dispatched two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) A400M aircraft carrying SMART personnel and officials from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to support search and rescue operations.
Earthquake Devastation
The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake claimed 3,145 lives, injured 4,589, and left 221 missing. It also caused extensive damage in several areas including Mandalay, Bago, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw, and impacted neighboring Thailand.
Conclusion
The visit by Malaysia and Thailand demonstrates the commitment of ASEAN countries to support Myanmar in its time of need. Malaysia’s pledge of humanitarian aid and deployment of SMART personnel and officials are examples of the country’s proactive leadership as ASEAN Chair.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the meeting between Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar’s State Administration Council?
A: The meeting was part of a joint humanitarian mission to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake on March 28.
Q: What were the contributions of Malaysia to the disaster response efforts?
A: Malaysia pledged RM10 million in initial humanitarian aid and deployed the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and officials from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to support search and rescue operations.
Q: How many lives were lost in the earthquake?
A: The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake claimed 3,145 lives, injured 4,589, and left 221 missing.