PUTRAJAYA, March 30- Malaysia, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2025, convened an Emergency Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers via video conference to discuss humanitarian aid efforts in the wake of the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand.
In a statement, Wisma Putra announced that the meeting, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, was attended by ASEAN Foreign Ministers or their representatives, as well as the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, who participated as an observer.
Also present at the meeting were ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and Krishna Putra Tanaja, Deputy Executive Director of the ASEAN Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
During the meeting, ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed their full solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand, offering their condolences to the victims and their families. They emphasized the importance of enhancing regional disaster preparedness and resilience, alongside mobilizing coordinated humanitarian assistance through the AHA Centre.
Myanmar and Thailand expressed gratitude for the support and timely assistance provided by ASEAN member states, which aided the search and rescue operations.
As a first step, two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft departed for Naypyidaw this morning, transporting 50 members of the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) and essential equipment. This mission was led by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), with support from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon.
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also announced plans to undertake a humanitarian mission to Myanmar soon, to coordinate additional aid based on the evolving needs on the ground.
In the meeting, Malaysia called on all parties to cease hostilities and violence to ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need without obstruction, and to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers. This call was unanimously supported by the other ASEAN Foreign Ministers.
Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ASEAN members, as well as regional and international partners, to provide comprehensive assistance to both Myanmar and Thailand.
“This tragedy is not only a shared sorrow but also a moment of collective resolve. ASEAN stands united in the spirit of solidarity and humanity,” emphasized Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.