Phnom Penh: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has renewed its pledge to provide effective and timely humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, which was recently struck by a devastating earthquake. The ASEAN Chair plans to visit Myanmar on April 5 to address the situation.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened a Special Emergency Meeting via videoconference on March 30. This meeting was held in response to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit central Myanmar on March 28, impacting regions in both Myanmar and Thailand.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed their condolences to the affected communities in Myanmar and Thailand, acknowledging the significant loss of life and destruction in areas such as Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. They underscored the importance of ASEAN solidarity in these challenging times and pledged support to the affected families and communities.

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The ministers agreed to enhance relief and recovery efforts through ASEAN’s resources. Teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam, and other ASEAN nations have arrived in Myanmar to conduct search and rescue operations. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) is also deploying teams and preparing to mobilize relief items.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers supported Myanmar’s request to activate the role of the ASEAN Secretary-General as the Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator. They appreciated the contributions from ASEAN Member States, external partners, and the United Nations, and welcomed continued support from all stakeholders.

The ministers emphasized the need for a safe environment in Myanmar to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. They encouraged Myanmar stakeholders to focus on relief efforts and ensure the aid reaches those in need without disruption. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate humanitarian assistance and agreed on a humanitarian visit to Myanmar by Malaysia’s ASEAN Chair and Thailand’s Foreign Minister on April 5.