ASEAN and partners pledge US$9 million in humanitarian assistance for Myanmar

Participants to the pledging conference to support ASEAN's humanitarian assistance for Myanmar, August 18, 2021.

The commitment was reached at the pledging conference to support ASEAN's humanitarian assistance for Myanmar which was virtually held on August 18.

The event was chaired by ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance of ASEAN and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA), with the participation of Foreign Ministers from ASEAN countries and representatives of the bloc’s partners. 

The participants discussed a humanitarian assistance strategy for Myanmar, scheduled to be implemented in two phases – lifesaving and life stabilization.

In the first phase, ASEAN will mobilize vaccine resources, pharmacy, medical equipment and relevant supplies for Myanmar. The first aid package is expected to arrive in Myanmar before August 31.

An ASEAN Coordinating Group will be established and located in Yangon to supervise and assist effective coordination and transfer of medical support to the local people.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomed timely sponsor for Myanmar, saying this is an important step in realization of the five-point consensus reached by ASEAN leaders to settle the crisis in Myanmar.

Bui appreciated the contributions made by the ASEAN Secretary-General to the issue.

Expressing sympathy to Myanmar people for their hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, he called on ASEAN, partners and international community to join hands to help Myanmar overcome difficulties.

The Vietnamese diplomat announced that Viet Nam will offer an initial medical supply package worth US$100,000 to Myanmar./.

By Thuy Dung