AKP Phnom Penh, March 30, 2025 --

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reaffirmed its solidarity and its commitment to deliver effective and timely life-saving humanitarian assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar, while the ASEAN Chair will undertake a humanitarian visit to Myanmar on April 5.  

This was the spirit of the Special Emergency Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the Aftermath of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, held on Mar. 30 via videoconference.

The following is the full statement on the outcome of the Special Meeting released this evening by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation:

ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS' STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING OF ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN MYANMAR AND THAILAND

30 MARCH 2025

1. A Special Emergency Meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers was held on 30 March 2025 via videoconference following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, affecting the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand.

2. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand who were affected by the earthquake, resulting in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.

3. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers stressed that during such challenging times, ASEAN Member States stand in solidarity with one another, and resolved to help the families and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact.

4. Recognising the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers agreed to strengthen relief and recovery efforts through the ASEAN Standby Arrangements and ASEAN Member States' contribution. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers noted that the USAR Team from Singapore has arrived in Myanmar to conduct Search and Rescue Operations, in addition to USAR and relief teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam and other ASEAN Member States. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) is also deploying the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) to support field-level operation, and preparing the mobilisation of ASEAN relief items through the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA).

5. To ensure the overall objective of effective and timely response to the disaster impact will be achieved, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers supported Myanmar's request to activate the role of the Secretary-General in accordance with the current Terms of Reference of the Secretary-General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (SG-AHAC).

6. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed appreciation for the contributions by ASEAN Member States, external partners, the United Nations (UN), the private sector and welcomed the continued support from all stakeholders that have provided assistance to the affected communities.

7. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the importance of a safe and conducive environment in Myanmar to ensure the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance. The Ministers encouraged all Myanmar stakeholders to focus on humanitarian assistance, facilitating relief efforts. The Ministers welcomed Myanmar's readiness in ensuring the humanitarian aid reach-those in need, in a timely and effective manner without disruption and discrimination.

8. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers affirmed their commitment to work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support and facilitate relief operations, and ensure timely and effective humanitarian response, with the assistance of the AHA Centre. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also agreed for Malaysia as the Chair of ASEAN together with the Foreign Minister of Thailand to undertake a humanitarian visit to Myanmar on 5 April 2025 for this purpose.

By C. Nika