Speeches & Statements

OPENING REMARKS BY DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AT THE SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING OF ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN MYANMAR

30 MARCH 2025 VIA TELECONFERENCE 

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Today, we come together in deep sorrow and solidarity as we witness the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

2. Before we begin, I request one minute of silence for the victims of the tragedy, in honour of all the families who have lost their loved ones.

3. Our hearts are heavy as we read the reports, see the images, and hear the stories of loss and suffering. The pain of our brothers and sisters is also our pain. We grieve with them, and we stand by them.

4. On behalf of ASEAN and as Chair of ASEAN 2025, I extend our deepest condolences to Myanmar and Thailand and their peoples. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the ASEAN Family stands with you as we move forward to rebuild, to heal, and to restore hope.

5. As an expression of our solidarity and commitment, I thank all Member States for rallying together to allow for the timely issuance of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Impact of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. The statement reaffirms our unwavering support and our collective resolve to assist those in need.

Brothers,

6. Even as we speak, developments on the ground continue to unfold. We are being warned of potential further aftershocks, and there remain significant challenges in reaching those in dire need. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that disruptions to communication and access to affected areas have made it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.  

7. We do not need more reports to tell us that this is the time to act.

8. In this spirit, I am encouraged that ASEAN, through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), has swiftly mobilised resources to support immediate relief efforts. Trauma relief supplies from our logistics hubs are already being dispatched to Myanmar, and we will continue to assess and respond to urgent needs on the ground.

9. Our regional disaster response mechanisms, including the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT), stand ready for deployment to ensure an effective, coordinated, and sustained effort. In the face of this devastation, we will endeavour to provide every possible support to ensure that their lifesaving efforts continue unhindered.

10. Earlier this morning, two aircraft carrying 50 personnel of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team and equipment left for Myanmar to assist with the search and rescue operations.

Brothers, Colleagues,

11. Moving forward, ASEAN must take immediate and sustained follow-up actions to ensure a continuous flow of humanitarian assistance, leveraging all available mechanisms to facilitate swift and effective relief efforts.

12. ASEAN will work closely with Myanmar and Thailand to support relief efforts, based on the priorities identified.

13. ASEAN must also call upon our international partners and the global community to stand with us in this time of crisis. We welcome all forms of assistance that can help alleviate suffering and accelerate recovery efforts. We urge the international community to work closely with the relevant ASEAN mechanisms, particularly the AHA Centre, to ensure that aid is delivered effectively.

14. We must ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most, and that no one is left behind.

Brothers,

15. The earthquake has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. I, thus, call upon all parties in Myanmar to cease hostilities and violence so as to ensure that humanitarian assistance may be effectively delivered and to also ensure the safety of the humanitarian personnel.

16. I commend the indomitable spirit of the people of Myanmar in the face of continued and aggravated challenges. In the interest of the people of Myanmar, I urge all parties in Myanmar to come together and work hand-in-hand to focus on recovery and rebuilding.

17. I also call on all parties in Myanmar to work with the ASEAN Chair and other Member States towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar. The ASEAN Family will firmly stand and work with you towards this end.

Colleagues, Friends,

18. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. It is also a reminder of the strength of ASEAN unity. In this spirit of solidarity, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Myanmar and Thailand. Let us send a clear and resounding message that ASEAN is strong and united. We will continue to stand together, especially in times of crisis.

Thank you.